Intervals/ harmonizing question

[Kamanda~SD]

Ok, I hope this makes sense!
I know about intervals (R, m2, M2, m3, M3, p4, a4/d5, p5, m6, M6, m7, M7, P8/O etc). So I know how to apply that to building chords.

Now for harmonizing, I heard that for harmonizing you can use DIATONIC 3rds and such... whats the difference between a DIATONIC 3rd and a m or M 3rd??? I beleive (correct me if I'm wrong) that Diatonic is within a scale or something, while the m and M are just from the chromatic scale (or every ****ing note).
So when harmonizing (in thirds to keep it simple, and I know sometimes yo uswitch to a 4th or 5th for certain notes because it sounds better) do I use DIATONIC 3rds?? COULD I use m or M 3rds?? Please clear this up please!!!


* Just for reference, I asked my teacher about intervals and I dont have lessons for two weeks. I was looking through an old G1 mag and theres a soloing strategies column on harmony soloing and thats where I heard of Diatonic thirds ("the pairing of two notes -within the same scale- that are two scale tones apart) thn an example and ****.

Anyways, thanks in advance for your help, and If (for some reasons) you would like to see the lesson and what it says than I will scan it.

Thanks.

 

[italic zero]

Re: Intervals/ harmonizing question

Yes, diatonic is within a scale. I assume you mean harmonizing guitar solos? If so, in a guitar solo, the primary guitar will be using a scale or mode. Harmonization is usually the process of adding thirds to this original solo. However, every third is not going to be within the scale or mode that the original guitar is soloing in, and will therefore clash with the rhythm section of the song. Using diatonic thirds means only using those thirds which are diatonic to the scale being used by the primary soloist. They will include both major and minor thirds.

 

[mind_transplant]

Re: Intervals/ harmonizing question

Diatonic just means using the notes that are within the parent scale, so a C major scale harmonized in thirds will be:

C and E (major 3rd)
D and F (minor 3rd)
E and G (minor 3rd)
F and A (major 3rd)
G and B (major 3rd)
A and C (minor 3rd)
B and D (minor 3rd)

So when harmonizing diatonically in C major, just stick to the seven tones of the scale (in this case all naturals). This is important stuff to learn as it is a key element in understanding harmony in western music.:beerchug:

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: Intervals/ harmonizing question

Thanks guys, you helped alot.