How to Harmonize a Major Scale - Music Theory

Music Matters
8 Jun 201706:32
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThe video explains techniques for harmonizing a C major scale on piano or guitar. It starts with only using the I, IV, and V chords, then explores inversions and adding more complex chords like I7b and V7d to make it more interesting. It gives suggestions for modulating up by semitone to keep moving to new keys. The goal is to provide useful starter tips to harmonize a scale up and down, modulate keys, and give the listener ideas to further develop their keyboard harmony skills.

Takeaways
  • 😀 You can harmonize a scale using just the I, IV and V chords
  • 🎹 Go up and down the scale, fitting each note of the scale into one of the I, IV or V chords
  • 🎵 Use chord inversions like I, Vb, I to add interest
  • 🎶 Include other diatonic chords like II and VI for more color and options
  • ⛓ Modulate up a semitone by going Ic, V7/next key, next key
  • 🎼 Practise harmonisation going up and down the scale
  • 🎚 Add 7ths, diminished and half-diminished chords for tension and resolution
  • 👂🏻 Listen for consecutive octaves and 5ths and avoid them
  • 🎹 Passing notes and approach chords add movement and interest
  • 🙌 With practise you can harmonise scales in any key up and down the keyboard
Q & A

  • What is an example of a group that might want to harmonize scales for warm-ups?

    -An example would be an accompanist for a choir wanting the choir members to do warm-ups on scales.

  • What are the three primary chords that can be used to harmonize a C major scale?

    -The three primary chords that can harmonize a C major scale are C major (chord I), F major (chord IV) and G major (chord V).

  • What is meant by using chords in inversion when harmonizing a scale?

    -Using chords in inversion refers to changing the bass note of the chord so it is no longer the root note. For example, instead of a C major chord, you could play a C/B chord.

  • What issue may arise from only using the primary chords to harmonize a scale?

    -Only using the primary chords can cause consecutive octaves and fifths which may not sound optimal.

  • What are some other chord options beyond the primary chords that could be used?

    -Other chord options include minor chords (ii), diminished chords (viio), and seventh chords (V7).

  • What is the purpose of adding a seventh to the final V chord?

    -Adding a seventh to the final V chord sets up a dominant-tonic resolution, providing a sense of finality.

  • How can you transition smoothly into a higher key when harmonizing scales?

    -Hold the top note of the current scale, play the V7 chord of the next key up while still holding that note, then move into playing the higher scale.

  • Why might some find it harder to harmonize scales going down vs going up?

    -Going down scales skips around more between chord tones which can make quickly finding appropriate chords more challenging.

  • What are some ways to create more interesting harmonizations?

    -Using inversions, adding 7ths, using secondary dominants, diminished chords, and other chromatic chords.

  • What is the main thing needed to get better at harmonizing scales?

    -Practice is the key thing. Trying out different chord options over scales to develop familiarity.

Outlines
00:00
😄 How to Harmonize a Scale on the Keyboard

This paragraph explains how to harmonize a C major scale on the keyboard going up and down using just the I, IV and V chords. It gives examples of harmonizing the scale using root position and inverted chords to make it more interesting. It also shows how to modulate up in semitones to the next key.

05:00
😃 Modulating Up in Semitones to the Next Key

This paragraph explains a trick for modulating up in semitones to the next key when harmonizing and going up a scale. It gives the example of finishing on a Ic, V or V7 in C major, holding the top C, adding the V7 of the next key D-flat major, and continuing the scale in that key. This allows smoothly modulating up sequentially.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡scale
A scale in music refers to a set of musical notes arranged in ascending and descending order. Knowing how to harmonize a scale is important for musicians like accompanists who need to improvise chords and harmonies while musicians vocalize up and down the scale. The video focuses specifically on the C major scale and uses it as an example to demonstrate different techniques for harmonizing a scale.
💡harmonize
To harmonize means to find chords and harmonies that fit with the notes of a scale or melody. The video explains and demonstrates different ways musicians can harmonize the C major scale on keyboard, such as using primary chords (I, IV, V) or exploring other chord options for more interesting harmonies.
💡chord
A chord in music refers to three or more notes played together. The video talks about harmonizing a scale using different chords like the I, IV, and V chords (C, F, and G chords in the key of C major). It also explores adding other chords for more creative harmonization, like diminished and dominant seventh chords.
💡inversion
In music theory, an inversion refers to rearranging the notes of a chord so a different note serves as the bass note. The video suggests harmonizing a scale using chords in root position and first inversion to create more interesting harmonies. For example, going from a C chord to a G chord in first inversion (G-B-D instead of G-D-B).
💡modulation
Modulation refers to transitioning from one musical key to another related key. The video demonstrates how to modulate up in semitones when harmonizing a scale, like going from C major to D-flat major by inserting a dominant seventh chord before continuing the scale.
💡consecutive octaves
Consecutive octaves refers to doubling the same notes one octave apart consecutively, which can sound repetitive. The video cautions that some chord progressions when harmonizing a scale may result in consecutive octaves, which are not ideal.
💡root position
Root position refers to a chord played with its root note or tonic as the bass note. The video suggests harmonizing a scale using a mixture of chords in root position and first inversion for better musical effect.
💡primary chords
Primary chords refer to the I, IV, and V chords built on notes of a musical scale. The video says harmonizing a scale using just the C, F and G primary chords is a good starting point before exploring other chord options for more creative harmonies.
💡dominant seventh
A dominant seventh chord is a major triad with an added minor seventh interval, giving a chord with four distinct notes. The video demonstrates adding dominant sevenths, like G7 (G-B-D-F), to harmonize a scale for extra color and interest.
💡diminished seventh
A diminished seventh chord comprises three minor thirds stacked to create an unstable dissonant sound. The video shows how a diminished seventh chord can be used to creatively harmonize a scale and add an element of tension before resolution.
Highlights

You can harmonize a scale using just the I, IV, and V chords by matching scale tones to chord tones.

Go beyond basic harmonization using inversions, secondary chords, and non-chord tones to add interest.

Listen for consecutive octaves and fifths when harmonizing and aim for a mixture of root position and inverted chords.

Modulate up a semitone to the next key by going Ic, V7, I in the new key while holding the top note of the previous scale.

Practice harmonizing scales going up and down and modulating to build skills in keyboard harmony and accompaniment.

Harmonize a scale using primarily I, IV, V chords, then explore other chord options like I7b, IVb, and V7 for color.

Invert chords (like Vb instead of V) and use passing tones to add interest to basic harmonization.

End a modulation with V7-I in the new key while holding the top note of the previous scale.

Consecutive octaves and fifths may sound awkward in scale harmonization.

Practice modulating up in semitones to continually increase the key.

Harmonizing scales builds skills useful for accompanying choirs, bands, and soloists.

Go from Ic-V7-I in one key to V7-I in the next key up a semitone to modulate smoothly.

Use a variety of chord inversions and non-chord tones like 7ths and diminished chords when harmonizing.

Harmonizing while ascending may be easier at first than harmonizing while descending.

Bass lines like I-Vb-I and IVb-Ib-IV-V-I add interest to scale harmonization.

Transcripts

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