Re: theory question

[Hans Aberg]

On 3 Jul 2009, at 23:57, Grammostola Rosea wrote:

> A question about minor scales and the chords which belongs to a  
> certain 'step' in the scale.
>
> I've learned when major scale:
>
> step:
> I: maj7
> II:  min7
> III: min7
> IV: maj7
> V: dominant 7
> VI: min7
> VII: -7
>
> But what when it is a minor scale? For example E minor? Which type  
> of chords belongs to the 7 steps?

There are two systems in use:

The "traditional", using only uppercase Roman numerals, numbering the  
scale degrees of the intended scale. Hindemith, "Traditional Harmony",  
uses this system with harmonic minor, in which case for example III  
denotes an augmented triad.

Then there is the "modern" system which uses lower case letter for  
minor chords and upper case for major chords.

The Wiki page says the first is "German" and the second "US", but the  
former is used in the books by Mehegan, "Jazz Improvisation". So  
therefore I think the latter perhaps was developed in the US perhaps  
second half 20th century.

  Hans