Chord progressions can be built from scales because each note in the scale is a scale degree. Thus, you could also write the major scale like this: I - ii - iii - IV - V - vi - vii° Each degree then holds the following titles respectively: Tonic (i) Supertonic (ii) Mediant (iii) Subdominant (IV) Dominant (V) Submediant (vi) Leading tone (vii°) Major thirds are thirds that are specifically four semitones (half steps) apart. For example, the interval between C and E is a major third because they’re two letters apart, and it takes four semitones to get from C to E: C ♯ (a.k.a. D♭) → D → D ♯ (a.k.a. E♭) → E. Here’s what a major third sounds like: In this post you’ll learn how to build chords of the minor scale, create your own chord progressions and analyze the chord progressions of famous songs in a minor key. For building chords of the natural minor scale we can use the same approach as building chords of the major scale. Check out some Common Chord Progressions for some inspiration. Pick one you like and use one of the major or minor modes to amend it to a modal progression. For example, take a minor key 1 4 5 and turn it Lydian by sharpening the 4 to make it 1 #4 5. Major keys, along with minor keys, are a common choice for popular songs. The three most important chords, built off the 1st, 4th and 5th scale degrees are all major chords (A Major, D Major, and E Major). For chord progressions, statistics, and tendencies, view this key in Hooktheory Trends 1HSJ.

minor scale chord progressions