Piano Music Theory

Music Theory for Beginners

Diatonic Chords of E Major Scale

How to create diatonic chords in E major scale?

E Major Scale

First, let’s look at the E major scale.  E – F♯ – G♯ – A – B – C♯ – D♯ – E are the notes of the E major scale.

e major scale

 

Diatonic chords are formed by stacking two generic third notes above each scale note.

e major diatonic chords

 

E Major Diatonic Chords

These are the seven major scale diatonic chords that come from the E major scale.

e major diatonic chords

 

Each major scale diatonic chord is labelled with a roman numeral number:

e major diatonic chords

All major scales follow this chord quality pattern:

I,  ii,  iii,  IV,  V,  vi, viiº

We use uppercase roman numeral numbers to represent major chords, lowercase to represent minor chords, uppercase with a small plus sign to represent augmented chords, and lowercase with a small circle to represent diminished chords.

First, fourth and fifth chords in major will always be major. Second, third and sixth chords in major will always be minor. Seventh chord in major scale will always be diminished.

The seven diatonic chords in the E major key are:

I.  E – G♯ – B (E major chord)

ii.  F♯ – A – C♯ (F Sharp minor chord)

iii.  G♯ – B – D♯ (G Sharp minor chord)

IV.  A – C♯ – E (A major chord)

V. B – D♯ – F♯ (B major chord)

vi.  C♯ – E – G♯ (C Sharp minor chord)

viiº.  D♯ – F♯ – A (D Sharp diminished chord)

These are the chords that harmonize the E major scale. 

Major Scale Diatonic Chords

Diatonic Chords in C Major Scale
Diatonic Chords in C Sharp Major Scale / D Flat Major Scale
Diatonic Chords in D Major Scale
Diatonic Chords in E Flat Major Scale
Diatonic Chords in E Major Scale
Diatonic Chords in F Major Scale
Diatonic Chords in F Sharp Major Scale / G Flat Major Scale
Diatonic Chords in G Major Scale
Diatonic Chords in A Flat Major Scale
Diatonic Chords in A Major Scale
Diatonic Chords in B Flat Major Scale
Diatonic Chords in B Major Scale / C Flat Major Scale

Piano Chord Progression Poster

This practical piano chord progression poster from Amazon is the perfect reference chart of all 24 major and minor chord sets — The Really Useful Piano Chord Progression Poster – A1 Size – Folded Version

(Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.)