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. an ae en Sep} é =e =] ‘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. a