The Diatonic Scale Matrix below set out for a Major Key progession aids in transposition, that is the art of changing music from one key to another.

The chart is based on the notes C--D --E-F--G--A--B-C (" - "equals a semitone)

Further below, for clarity, another table shows all of the notes chromatically.

In order for the correct intervals to be heard in other keys some notes need to be sharpened (or flattened depending on how you look at it).

I have put the sharp or flat keys (C#, D3 etc) in a smaller case only to make the chart easier to read. The I column shows the name of the key. The VI is the relative minor. The 2 is the semitones or frets between. Between III and IV and VII and VIII (VII is the same as I) there is one semitone or fret. The second row indicates chords types.

So, try it out play these chords in the key of C major : C, Dmin, Emin, Fmaj7, G7, Amin, Bdim.

Now play these chords in the key of D major : D, Emin, F#min, Gmaj7, A7, Bmin, C#dim. You should hear the same progession transposed to another key.

Nothing is written in stone, well some things are. Those are the rules so try and break them
and still sound in key. Or try some dissonance.

© Copyright 2002-2008 Ian McGowan

© Copyright 2006 Ian McGowan