▪ Diatonic = of/on the scale. Diatonic chords are intervals on a scale.
▪ The pattern of diatonic major chords: Maj7, min7, min7, maj7, dom7, min7, min7f5.
▪ The pattern of diatonic dominant chords: Dom, min7, min7F5, maj7, min7, min7, maj7.
▪ Internalizing the diatonic sequence of chords is important for orientation in tunes. A diatonic chord provides information about the place you are at within the harmonic pattern.
▪ Diatonic major chords can be used for improvisation in a major scale context and diatonic dominant chords can be used for improvisation in a dominant scale context.
▪ Diatonic chords provide a range of improvisation opportunities, and are widely used in our tradition.
▪ Note: when improvising with diatonic chords, be sure to resolve back to the harmonic pattern of the tune.