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C Major Chords and A Minor Chords: How They Relate to Each Other
Below is a graphic showing the circular harmonic scale of chords (circular harmonic scale) for the key of C major/A minor. The greaphic shows the three C major chords, C, F, and G7, along with the three A minor chords, Am, Dm, and E7, and how they all relate to each other (Figure 57):
FIGURE 57: Circular Harmonic Scale Showing the Chords for the Key of C Major/A Minor
In the sections ahead, you will learn how to use circular harmonic scales—scales of chords—the way you use melodic scales (major or minor).
When you write a tune, do you simply go up and down the scale without skipping any notes? Without repeating notes? Without doubling back? Without reaching outside the scale to grab chromatic notes? Of course not! You’d never dream of limiting your melodic creativity that way.