Neh ord Scales
RCM iad
A chord scale is a set of stepwise pitches assigned to a chord symbol to provide a supply
of notes compatible with that chord’s sound and its tonal or modal function.
From an arranger’s point of view, chord scales are the raw material to be used in writing
clearly-defined voicings that are consistent with a g
iven harmonic and melodie context. In
the chapters that follow, we will regularly refer to the appropriate chord scales as we build
advanced voicings using fourths, seconds, and upper structure triads. Chord scales are also
useful for writing melodies and for improvising within a specific tonal or modal context
Characteristics
A chord scale is made up of chord tones (1-3-5 in the case of triads, 1-.
6 for sixth
chords, and 1-3-5-7 for seventh chords) and the passing tones, usually diatonic, that occur
between them.
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‘The chord tones identify the type of chord (triad, sixth chord, seventh chord, major, minor,
| dominant seventh, etc.). The passi
ig tones help to clarify the tonal or modal context and
by extension to determine which tensions are available.
D-7 (7, Key of C
| a tee 4
| sors rw
m apron note
, In this example. the chord tones 1->3-5-7 (d-f-a-c) define a minor seventh (D-7), The
passing tones ¢
g-b, derived from the key, establish the context as II-7 in the key of C.
Theory. as established by common practice, then determines which of the passing tones
| are available as tensions and which are limited to the role of approach notes.
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