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Let’s write out the scale in the key of C. There are no sharps and no flats.

c d e f g a b c d e f g a b

You can build a different Chord starting with each of these notes.

Take the first note C and we’ll build a chord.

c e g . C Major The I Chord . We use every other note. The reason for this is simply that adjacent notes are so close in their vibrations per second that they rub against each other and are dissonant. As you get a little further away they harmonize.

Let’s try the other notes.

d f a D minor ii Chord ( It’s root is the second note of the scale )

e g b E minor iii Chord (It’s root is the Third note of the scale )

f a c F Major IV Chord Etc

g b d G Major V Chord Etc

a c e A Minor vi Chord Etc

b d f B dim Vii Chord

You do this for every key and you have the available chords in every key.

But Wait - It’s not that hard. There is a pattern to it.

In every key you will find that the I Chord is always major. The ii is always minor

The iii minor , IV Major, V Major vi minor and vii is always diminished.

That’s a lot to remember But Wait—

We rarely use the diminished chord –it’s more of a passing chord. the I IV and V are major in every key! All the rest are minor ! ( ii iii and vi) in every key.

But Wait- Here is a chart that will make it even easier. If you play around in different keys it won’t take long to make this automatic.

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