Diatonic Chord Analysis
In order to translate chords from their letter names to Roman numerals, you must first find the key in which they came from. Understanding the diatonic chords in a major scale helps makes this translation efficiently and effectively.
Look for two major chords (IV + V) and/or two minor chords that are a letter away (ii + iii) to help find the parent scale.
Consecutive Major or
Minor Chords
Find chords that have roots that move through the circle of fourths with qualities that match iii vi ii V I.
Circle Progressions
Use the chart below to help determine the key that a song is in.
Major key Cheat Sheet
