Diatonic Tone Scale: A Detailed Exploration of 9 Tones
The diatonic tone scale, often referred to as the “natural” scale, is a fundamental concept in Western music theory. It consists of seven distinct notes, each separated by a specific interval. When you expand this scale to include the ninth tone, you open up a world of possibilities for melody, harmony, and composition. Let’s delve into the intricacies of the diatonic tone scale with nine tones.
Understanding the Diatonic Scale
The diatonic scale is built upon a pattern of whole and half steps. In a standard diatonic scale, the pattern is W-W-H-W-W-W-H, where W represents a whole step (two frets on a guitar) and H represents a half step (one fret on a guitar). This pattern is consistent across all diatonic scales, regardless of the starting note.
For example, the C major diatonic scale consists of the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. The intervals between these notes are as follows:
| Notes | Intervals |
|---|---|
| C – D | Whole Step |
| D – E | Whole Step |
| E – F | Half Step |
| F – G | Whole Step |
| G – A | Whole Step |
| A – B | Whole Step |
| B – C | Half Step |
Introducing the Ninth Tone
When you add the ninth tone to the diatonic scale, you create a new scale known as the diatonic tone scale with nine tones. This scale is also called the “major ninth” or “dominant ninth” in jazz and blues music. The ninth tone is a whole step above the seventh tone of the diatonic scale.
Let’s take the C major diatonic scale as an example again. The diatonic tone scale with nine tones would include the following notes:
- C
- D
- E
- F
- G
- A
- B
- C
- D
In this case, the ninth tone is C, which is a whole step above the B note in the C major diatonic scale.
Harmonic and Melodic Implications
The addition of the ninth tone to the diatonic scale has significant implications for both harmony and melody. Harmonically, the ninth tone provides a rich and expressive sound, often used to create tension and resolution in a composition. Melodically, the ninth tone adds a new dimension to the diatonic scale, allowing for more complex and interesting melodies.
Here are a few examples of how the ninth tone can be used in harmony and melody:
Harmony
- The ninth chord, also known as the dominant ninth chord, is a powerful and expressive chord that can be used to create tension and resolution in a progression.
- The ninth chord can be used to substitute the dominant seventh chord in a progression, adding a new flavor to the harmony.
- The ninth chord can be used to resolve the tension created by the dominant seventh chord, providing a sense of closure to a progression.
Melody
- The ninth tone can be used to create a more complex and interesting melody, adding a new dimension to the diatonic scale.
- The ninth tone can be used to create a sense of tension and resolution in a melody, much like the dominant seventh chord.
- The ninth tone can be used to create a more expressive and emotional melody, adding depth to the overall composition.
