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The Mediant ChordOver the past lessons (contents here), we've been building the following chord scale... So now there are just 2 remaining chords to complete this foundation chord scale. Another name for this scale is diatonic - a seven note/degree scale. We've just built chords at each degree as opposed to single notes, like the scales you use for lead soloing. With the chord scale nearly complete, let's now add in the iii chord, known as the "mediant" in diatonic theory. Just think of it as the 3rd chord in the 7 chord scale we're building. Just like in the other lessons, I'll first go through the iii chord's intervals in relation to the tonic (I) and other chords in the scale, and then we'll look at how we can use the iii chord in various combinations with the other 5 chord positions we've learned. Mediant chord functionThe iii chord, as represented by lower case numerals, is naturally a minor chord. The first thing we need to do is listen to how it interacts with its related tonic chord, no matter what key you're playing in.Let's say our tonic chord was C major. Its related mediant iii chord would therefore be E minor. We'll look at how we work this out in a minute, but first I just want you to get a taste of the sound of this interval... I - iii Click to hear > What's interesting about the iii chord is it's rarely used in the above way, to resolve straight back to the tonic chord. It has more of a tendancy to move either up to the IV chord, down to the ii chord or to the vi chord. It is therefore used more as a link to other chords away from the tonic. For example (using C major as our tonic again)... I - iii - IV Click to hear > I - iii - vi - V Click to hear > Anyway, we'll look at common uses of the iii chord later. Now, intervals on the fretboard! I ii iii IV V vi intervalsLet's see how the iii chord fits in to the root note interval pattern we've been building in past lessons. Remember, each of these positions (degrees) represents the root note from which we can build chords, whether barre or other movable shapes. More on chords types in the chord section of the main site.Note that the 1st diagram slightly overlaps the next...   In both examples, look at where the iii chord appears in relation to other chords in the scale. Try and memorise these relationships. For example...
And remember... these interval relationships are movable, just like any scale! The entire scale keeps its formation as you change key, the key being defined by the tonic chord. This is the most basic way to understand the relationship between chords in a scale, since once you know the root note intervals between them, you can start to build chords around those same intervals. Progression examples involving the iii chordSo now we have 6 chords from which we can draw various combinations (progressions). I know several songs that simply use I ii iii IV (or in reverse) as a straight sequence. I'm sure you can be more inventive than that! ;)Few points:
I iii ii V - click to hear >
ii iii ii I - click to hear >
I iii vi IV - click to hear >
As usual, experiment with your own combinations and don't forget to try modifications of chords that we've looked at in previous lessons, such as minor iv chords. There's more and more to think about as our creative options expand, but that's good! Keep referring to past lessons to refresh your memory. See you in the next part!  < Guitar Songwriting Contents
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