Harmonic Analysis - Full Diatonic

A Full Diatonic chord is defined as a chord that has its root and species (chord type) in its harmonized chord chart.

Published: 06 Apr 2012 Updated: 08 Jun 2024Visits: 0Code: MLRMAe-4

Category: TheoryInstrument: Theory Subjects: Theory • Intermediate • Advanced • Progressions

All 6 sample page(s) are viewable on-line.

If you are a registered site member, have verified your email address, and have the correct permissions you can view ALL the pages of this PDF or Samples pages at a larger size using the LearningUkulele.com Online PDF Viewer .

This Download is NOT part of your LearningUkulele.com membership level.

Sign-up for Premium Site Access or Upgrade Your Plan your current access level to download this PDF or your can purchase a copy for download.

After purchasing a PDF , a download link > will be sent to you within 24hrs.

Contact LearningUkulele.com if there are any issues.

Each PDF file is a formatted, high resolution file that prints out great. You'll need a PDF Reader or application capable of viewing PDF files to view the PDF.

Download the PDF file for the latest, complete, and most up-to-date version. As well as additional information not presented on-line.

Members and Active Students need to sign-in to download this lesson's PDF for the complete lesson.

Harmonic Analysis - Full Diatonic


Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution. This lesson covers the Full Diatonic harmonic principle.

Additional Content
Available for Premium Site Access Plans Only

Sorry, can't give it ALL away!

This content requires a Premium / Gold Access Plan or enrolled in the Study with Curt - On-line or Private Lesson Program.

To view additional content for this page you'll need to either Sign In or Register or Upgrade to a Premium Site Access Plan.

Login or SignUp to View Content

This series, is the book Harmonic Analysis for Chord Substitution and Scale Selection by Curt sheller broken out into individual lessons with additional examples and content. Always, the latest version of the book.

Full Diatonic

A Full Diatonic (FD) chord is defined as a chord that has its root and species (chord type) in its Harmonized Chord Chart(s) . A Full Diatonic progression can be based on a scale or mode.

WORKSHEET NOTATION: Label these chords with UPPERCASE roman numerals and the tonality or key center using an uppercase letter. There is no need to indicated the chord type with its roman numeral. (See examples)

Determining Tonality

The first thing to do for a Root Movement Analysis (RMA) is to determine the starting tonality, tonal center, or key center. Once the starting tonality has been discovered a Harmonized Chord Chart(s) can be selected to identify chord functions.

There are several clues that can be used to determine a tonality.

These are some of the things that we'll look for to narrow down the choices.

  • Key Signature
  • Final or last chord
  • Finding the chord that is functioning as the main Dominant.

Sign-IN — it's FREE — to view, un-blur any additional content for this lesson.

Harmonic Analysis - Full Diatonic…

Key Signatures

A Key Signature is a summary of the sharps, flats and natural notes used in a section of music. Traditional key signatures represent major and their relative minor keys. A key signature can represent any scale or mode.

The Key Signature can sometimes be used to determine the starting tonality. More often the last chord of a progression will most likely be the tonic or I chord and the main or central tonality. Even if the tonality can not be determined a harmonic analysis can be started.

Start by determining the first tonal center using the clues (key signature and or last chord or note). Now find its harmonized chord chart. The most common tonality is major comprising of a large majority of contemporary music.

Start assigning roman numerals to the basic chords of the progression. Ignore single beat chords, the upper partials of chords such as ninths, elevenths, and thirteenths. Ignore alterations such as flat and sharp nines and sharp elevenths.

Familiarize yourself with both the basic triads and 4-part chords types on the Harmonized Chord Chart(s) for the Major Keys. (Review the Harmonic Analysis - Basic Concepts lessons of this series for the C Major scale chords.

4-Part Chords

Triads

Note: For Harmonic Analysis purposes a triad and 4-part chord serve the same harmonic function.

EXAMPLE 1

Starting with this simple, very common chord progression and the Harmonized Chord Chart(s) we'll take each chord one at time.

The first chord, a Dm7 is in both the major and minor charts. In a major tonality it’s a II chord in the key of C, a III chord in the key of Bb and a VI chord in the key of F. In a minor tonality it’s a I chord in the key of D minor and a IV chord in the key of A minor – 5 choices.

The second chord, G7 is found in both the major and minor charts but only as a V chord in the key of C Major or C Minor. Store this information away for future reference2 choices.

The Cmaj7 chord is a I chord in the key of C major and the IV chord in the key of G major. In a minor tonality it's as a III chord in key of A minor and a VI chord in the key of E minor – 4 choices.

Here are the possibilities we now have using the Major and Minor Harmonized Chord charts:

We can rule out numbers 1 and 2 as at least one of the chords do not show up in the major or minor harmonized scale chart.

We can then rule out numbers 4 and 5 as they do not have I or tonic chords. This leaves number three as the best choice. This is one of the most common progressions used in contemporary music. You will see this progression more than any other progression, especially in jazz standards.

Using uppercase roman numerals place a II under the Dm7, a V under the G7 and a I under the Cmaj7. To indicate the key place an uppercase letter before the II with a colon following the letter to indicate the tonal center.

The same analysis would result if the chords where basic triads: Dm, G, or C

Song and Chord Progression Examples

Lots of folk and children's songs as well as many rock and popular songs contain full diatonic progressions or sections and are a good place to practice your RMA.

Here are a few examples of jazz songs with full diatonic progressions. Many songs contain full diatonic sections. Full diatonic is the most common harmonic principle.

Full Diatonic Progressions

A few Full Diatonic Three & Four chord progressions. All examples in C.

I – IV – V – V

| C | F | G | G |

I – I – IV – V

| C | C | F | G |

I – I – IV – V

| C | F | C | G |

I – IV – V – IV

| C | F | G | F |

I – IV – V – I

| C | F | G | C |

I – VI – IV – V

| C | Am | F | G |

The Fifties (1950s) Chord Progression • Another common way of extending the I – IV – V sequence is by adding the chord of the sixth scale degree, giving the sequence I – VI – IV – V or I – VI – II – V, sometimes called the 50s progression..

I – V – VI – IV

| C | G/B | Am | F |

The The Four Chord Pop Progression • This is the most popular chord progression in use today. It has replaced the most common chord progression that was used in the 50s, the 1 6 2 5 chord progression.

V – VI – IV – I

| G | Am | F | C |

VI – IV – I – V

| Am | F | C | G |

IV – I – V – VI

| F | C | G | Am |

Jazz Standards

A few standards Jazz songs that use the Full Diatonic harmonic principle.

All The Things Your Are

Starts off with VI II V I IV major of the key of the song. Look for the same after and II V

Tune Up

Various II V I progressions modulating through descending major key centers a whole step apart.

Blue Bossa

Starts Full Diatonic minor and modulates to Full Diatonic major 1/2 step higher than starting key center.

Fly Me To The Moon

Sway

All of the A, first section of the song is Full Diatonic

Moondance

First section is Full Diatonic Dorian.

So What

Full Diatonic Dorian with half step modulation to Dorian.

Autumn Leaves

Measures 1-4, II V I IV major. Measures 5-8, II V I minor.

Checkout the Songs section of LearningUkulele.com , as many of the songs examples above are available.

Download the PDF file for the latest, complete, and most up-to-date version. As well as additional information not presented on-line.

End of Lesson - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!

Related Lessons, Videos, Lesson Series, Songs, Books & Reference Charts, Resources & Assets, Workshops are below.

Related Lessons

Related Lessons for Harmonic Analysis - Full Diatonic.

MLRMAe

Harmonic Analysis Lesson Series

Harmonic Analysis ( HA ) is the process used to determine the harmonic function of chords within a chord progression. A chord progression is defined as a sequence of chords, each chord has a root and has a particular chord type. The relationship of a chord's root to a scale determines its function within that scale's tonality. Once a chord's function is identified, scale selections along with chord and scale substitutions can be made. This process is called Root Movement Analysis ( RMA ). This series of lessons are extracted from my book for use with individual private and on-line students. Each lesson directly corresponds the chapters in my book Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution by Curt Sheller (me).

ML-basic-12

Key Signatures and the Circle of Fifths and Fourths

Traditional key signatures provide a wealth of information that can enhance our understanding of music and its underlying principles.

MLRMAe-14

Harmonic Analysis - Major and Minor Harmonized Chord Charts

Major and Minor Harmonized Chord Charts are used for while doing a Harmonic Analysis (HA). Shows triads and 4-part chords for ALL 15 major and minor keys. "Yes, Virginia there are 15 keys."

MLRMAe-15

Harmonic Analysis - Modes Harmonized Chord Charts

The triads and 4-part chords for ALL 15 major and minor keys.

MLRMAe-5

Harmonic Analysis - Partial Diatonic

"Partial Diatonic" is defined as a chord that HAS its root in the - "Harmonize Chord Chart," but its species or chord type is NOT in the Harmonized Chord Chart. Partial Diatonic chords are used to link chords without leaving the current key center. Secondary Dominant chords are a big part of this harmonic principle.

MLRMAe-16

Harmonic Analysis - Worksheet and Examples

"Harmonic Analysis" is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. A blank worksheet and examples for notating your harmonic analysis.

Related Books & Charts

Related Books for Harmonic Analysis - Full Diatonic.

RMA1

Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

Updated: 08 Jun 2024

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution.

A Selection of Books & Reference Charts that are recommended for creating a solid foundation with your chosen instrument and music in general.

Books

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard – C Tuning

Finally, learn the names of the notes of the fingerboard.

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering

Learn the six fingering principles to navigating the ukulele fingerboard. Fingering is one of the most universal topics.

Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition.

Ukulele – Reading Music Series – Primer

Learn to read single note melodies in the first/open position is a lot easier than you might think.

Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele

An organized collection of daily practice and reference material for the contemporary ukulele player for developing the vocabulary and knowledge necessary for single note playing.

Checkout the Books for ALL available books.

Reference Charts

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G - G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G – G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Key Signatures — Circle of Fourths and Fifths – ANSI A & A4 sizes

A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatures. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized (ANSI-A) , A4

Checkout the Books for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.

Related Lesson Files, Resources and Assets

Related Assets for Harmonic Analysis - Full Diatonic.

FL68

A Guide to Advanced Chords Series - Chord Building Chart

Updated: 31 Dec 2016

A handle dandy reference chart for building fifteen (15) basic triads and 4-part chords.

WEB_CONTENT_ONLY

Key Signatures - Cycle of Fourths and Fifths

Updated: 14 Oct 2019

A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatues. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized.

Site Access Plans for LearningUkulele.com

Forever Access - With Forever Premium Access, you get ALL the benefits of a Premium Access Subscription such as Unlimited 24/7 access to ALL lessons, downloads, songs, play-along jam tracks, videos, email access to Curt, resources, related assets, and ALL books by Curt as FREE downloads. Pretty much everything on the site, and NEVER worry about a subscription or surprise payment again. And jump the queue for responding to any questions.

If you're anything like me (Curt) and getting Subscription overloaded with everything and everybody on-line wanting money from you once a month — I'm with you. For like-minded individuals, this forever plan is a pay once, and you're done.

The price for Unlimited Forever access is right around the cost of a few months of private lessons. I can guarantee there is more than enough material on-line to keep you busy for a long, long time. And, you get all of my books for FREE. That alone is more than the cost of this plan.

Premium Access - This premium gives you Unlimited 24/7 access to ALL lessons, downloads, songs, play-along jam tracks, videos, email access to Curt, resources and related assets. As well as ALL books by Curt Sheller as FREE downloads.

Basic Access - A limited selection of basic lessons — ( currently over 140 ) and 100+ songs for ukulele as well as basic general music reference material — Completely FREE — Simply Register/Signup. HOWEVER - I've been doing ukulele and LearningUkulele.com since 2003 and probably have given too much away already - as reflected in my income from the site in relationship to the time spent on the site. So help support this site and its continued development by signing up for one of the below Premium Access Plans or buy a few of my books. - Thanks, Curt

NOTE: Each higher access level includes ALL the benefits of the lower levels. Private Lessons include all the benefits of a Premium Access Plans as long as you remain a student on the schedule.

Just browsing over both books, they look fantastic! I'm a guitarist and uke player for over 25 years and was thinking about writing a ukulele book but you've already written what I think are the best, most comprehensive and thorough books I've ever seen for the instrument. I just might end up buying every book you've written and I'll be giving my highest recommendation for your books to my friends and students. Thank you so much for taking the time to write such great books!Peter Rhee

Aloha, Curt, All I can say is WOW! What you have accomplished is simply incredible! All the bestGlen Hirabayashi, The Aloha Boys

Folks, if you haven't stopped by Curt's site, do so right now! ..And get his books, they are fantastic. This guy knows his stuff and is able to pass it along too.Alan Johnson Proprietor, The 4th Peg

I can highly recommend Curt's Uke books — I have four of them and they are excellent.fatveg — Portland

Want to drop LearningUkulele.com & Learning Ukulele with Curt a nice comment . We always like to know how we are and you are doing. We'll post any comment, quotes throughout the site and you can help spread the word .

Thanks for visiting and checking out the site!

curtieAnim.gif rw.vg.gif

Original Curtie Animation from 1987 for my first web site on a Macintosh II, 37 years ago. Man, does time fly.

“Built for myself (Curt), and sharing with the `Ukulele community!”

LearningUkulele.com has one of the largest collections of lessons, songs, and TABS, Luthiers, ukulele builders, ukulele festival and club information, and, ukulele links on the web. Curt has been on the ®Internet since the early 1990's and This site just never stops growing!!!

Content is added and updated daily — so check back often. I really do need to get out more ;-)

Love LearningUkulele.com? • Show your support!
Support development via a monthly membership or a one-time forever membership!