In music theory, non-diatonic chords are chords that contain notes outside of the scale (or key) of a piece of music. They can add tension, color, and contrast, and can enhance the emotional impact of a piece. When there is a flat perfect fifth (or sharp perfect fourth, same note) it creates an awful, non-diatonic chord. It’s tone might sound chaotic and dissident. I’ve heard it called “the devil’s chord” and it’s mostly avoided on purpose.
The devil will flee when we are with the One. We should abide in the root and stay diatonic as much as possible. Cast down the spirit of distraction and choose light, or diatonic.
John 14:6 (NIV)
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Here or Away
Dene Ward has written about this at this link. Here is some of what she said, Scripture she includes and “Diatonic” literally means “two tones”:
As humans we have a tendency to see “two kinds” in practically every situation and to do our best to make it NOT work. In the early church when everyone was Jewish, they still managed to make a distinction between Jews born in Palestine and those born elsewhere (Acts 6). Once Gentiles were converted, the distinction was circumcision (Acts 15). If that weren’t enough, the bias became wealth (James 2), and then the full blown heresy of Gnosticism (1 John)—those who “knew” things others did not.
Paul spent several chapters in several epistles reminding us that while we are to repent (change) from a life of sin, no other change was required. In fact, our differences make us a stronger, better body. Also see “fighting the flesh” in Romans 6 and unity in Christ. Crucify your flesh, daily. Don’t be slaves to sin.
1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (NIV)
18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
1 Corinthians 12:24-25 (NIV)
24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.
Galatians 3:27-28 (NKJV)
27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Thank you, Dene. In conclusion, my walk in Christ is opening my eyes to seeing God in everything. Music theory is something I have learned a lot about for decades. Following Jesus is new to me, in comparison, only a couple years. God is opening doors as I step into a calling about music. Is music my ministry? Is psalm my language of discipleship? Let’s find out. Realizing the things God has been preparing me for (Romans 8:28), and holding me until such a time as this (Esther 4:14)… Nothing is impossible in Christ (Luke 1:37).
Hebrews 10:24 (KJV)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.