Chordmaps — Ahh Pick A Scale then – Pick a Map

clipped from chordmaps.com Let’s say we’re writing a song. First we choose a key. Now here comes the mountain. Which chords are available in this key… and how do they flow from one to another in ways that sound good? These questions are very easy to ask, but it took me years to understand what I wanted to know clipped from chordmaps.com In the key of D, name the three major chords and the three minor chords. The answer: the three major chords (I, IV, and V) are D, G, and A, while the three minor chords (ii, iii, and vi) are E minor, F# minor, and B minor. What do the new chords look like? The Em chord looks like this. This is the F# minor chord. And B minor looks like this. Concept #6 – The Simple Map This is where the big question begins to emerge. We now have six chords available. How do they flow from one to another? Some chords feel stable and strong while others feel like they’re leaning or going somewhere. Some chords create tension, waiting for another chord to come along and relax the tension. Sometimes a chord is meant to surprise