If you’re interested in learning how to harmonize the major scale like a pro, you are on the right page.
The role of the keyboard player in a band situation is to harmonize or accompany melodies and one of the litmus tests for a keyboardists ability to harmonize is the harmonization of the major scale.
Although we are going to he learning advanced approaches to the harmonization of the major scale, we’ll start out by refreshing our minds on the basic harmonization of the major scale using primary triads.
Basic Harmonization Of The Major Scale Using Primary Triads
There are three major triads in the major key and they are collectively known as primary triads.
In the key of C major:
…the following major triads are primary triads:
The C major triad:
The F major triad:
The G major triad:
…and they can be used to harmonize the major scale.
“Here’s How Every Tone Of The Major Scale Can Be Harmonized…”
Attention: We’ll be using the C major scale as a reference.
C:
…can be harmonized using the [first inversion of the] C major triad:
D:
…can be harmonized using the [root position of the] G major triad:
E:
…can be harmonized using the [second inversion of the] C major triad:
F:
…can be harmonized using the [first inversion of the] F major triad:
G:
…can be harmonized using the [root position of the] C major triad:
A:
…can be harmonized using the [second inversion of the] F major triad:
B:
…can be harmonized using the [second inversion of the] G major triad:
C:
…can be harmonized using the [first inversion of the] C major triad:
“Check It Out…”
C:
D:
E:
F:
G:
A:
B:
C:
Alright, now that we’ve refreshed our minds on the basic harmonization of the major scale, let’s proceed to some advanced approaches that will make you sound like a pro instantly.
Submission: There are other basic ways to harmonize the major scale and I acknowledge them. The harmonization used here is not in anyway inferior or superior.
Advanced Approaches To The Harmonization Of The Major Scale
Let’s go ahead and learn advanced approaches to the harmonization of the major scale.
Approach #1 – Parallel Harmony
In the concept of parallel harmony, a particular chord is moved up and down in fixed intervals. In this case, the Bb major ninth chord:
…is used.
“Let’s Harmonize The Descending Form Of The C Major Scale…”
C:
…can be harmonized using the Bb major ninth chord:
B:
…can be harmonized using the A major ninth chord:
A:
…can be harmonized using the G major ninth chord:
G:
…can be harmonized using the F major ninth chord:
F:
…can be harmonized using the Eb major ninth chord:
E:
…can be harmonized using the D major ninth chord:
D:
…can be harmonized using the C major ninth chord:
C:
…can be harmonized using the Bb major ninth chord:
Approach #2 – Block Chords
The major scale can be harmonized using block chords. One of the distinct features of block chords is that they are in octave position. Consequently, the melody note is the lowest and highest sounding note in the chord.
“Here’s A Harmonization Of The C Major Scale [Descending Form] Using Block Chords…”
C:
…can be harmonized using the C major sixth chord:
B:
…can be harmonized using the C diminished [major seventh] chord:
A:
…can be harmonized using the A diminished seventh chord:
G:
…can be harmonized using the Ab major seventh [#5] chord:
F:
…can be harmonized using the G half-diminished seventh chord:
E:
…can be harmonized using the F# half-diminished seventh chord:
D:
…can be harmonized using the D diminished seventh chord:
C:
…can be harmonized using the C major sixth chord:
Final Words
The harmonization of the descending major scale can be used as a fancy ending to songs. However, this depends on a handful of factors like tempo, rhythm, music genre, and a lot more.
I recommend that you practice these advanced approaches in other keys after mastering them in the key of C major.
Don’t forget that questions, suggestions, and comments are welcome.
All the best!
Chuku Onyemachi
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