Chromatic mediants are major or minor chords whose roots are a third apart and whose relationship includes at least one chromatic note. The root jump is familiar, but the altered notes make the change feel vivid and less predictable than ordinary diatonic motion.
C major to E-flat major shares G; C major to A-flat major shares C. Those common tones help connect the colors.
Compare two third-related chords
The shared G can remain in the same voice while the other notes move to the new chord.
Try it
- Choose a major or minor triad and move its root up or down a major or minor third.
- Keep any shared tones in place and move the other voices smoothly.
- Use the new chord for a section lift, a cinematic turn, or a surprise before returning home.
Key takeaway
A chromatic mediant changes the harmonic color with a third-related root move. Shared tones can make the jump feel connected rather than random.