How do I choose the type of chord for an specific scale?

Question

How do I choose the type of chord for an specific scale?

Answer 1

A better way of thinking about it would be, how do I choose the type of scale for a particular chord or chord sequence? in the jazz sense. Check out "Chord Scale Theory" for an in-depth look of choosing scales that correspond best with a progression.

Outside of that, do what Nic says above for a guide to major and minor keys!

Answer 2

I think I can help with your question. It's always good to start by memorizing the chord qualities in your major and minor scales. Remember that we use Roman Numerals to represent the order of chords in a scale.

Major Scale Chords: Imaj7 II-7 III-7 IVmaj7 V7 VI-7 VII-7b5

C Major Scale Chords: Cmaj7 D-7 E-7 Fmaj7 G7 A-7 B-7b5

Minor Scale Chords: I-7 II-7b5 IIImaj7 IV-7 V-7 VImaj7 VII7

A Minor Scale Chords: A-7 B-7b5 Cmaj7 D-7 E-7 Fmaj7 G7

Using this guide, you can determine which chord quality (maj, min, dim, or aug) to use with a given note of the scale. I hope that helps!

-Nic