1.6 Chord progressions
8 min read•august 20, 2024
Chord progressions form the backbone of musical harmony, guiding the emotional journey of a piece. They're sequences of chords that create a sense of movement and . Understanding different types of progressions helps musicians craft compelling harmonies.
Common chord progressions serve as templates for songwriting across genres. The progression, for example, is ubiquitous in Western music. By analyzing and creating progressions, musicians can develop a deeper understanding of harmonic structure and make informed compositional choices.
Types of chord progressions
- Chord progressions are sequences of chords that create the harmonic foundation of a piece of music
- Different types of chord progressions are characterized by the kinds of chords used and the relationships between them
Diatonic chord progressions
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- Constructed using chords belonging to a single key or diatonic scale
- Common in classical, folk, and pop music styles (I-IV-V-I in )
- Tend to have a stable and consonant sound due to the strong tonal center
Chromatic chord progressions
- Incorporate chords from outside the primary key, using accidentals and
- Create a sense of tension, surprise, or emotional intensity (I-bIII-bVI-bII in C major)
- Often used in jazz, R&B, and film scores to add color and complexity
Modal chord progressions
- Built on modes other than major or minor, such as Dorian, Mixolydian, or Phrygian
- Evoke distinct moods and flavors associated with each mode (i-bVII-bVI-v in D Dorian)
- Frequently found in folk, rock, and world music genres
Blues chord progressions
- Based on the 12-bar blues form, using a specific sequence of dominant 7th chords
- Typically features the I, IV, and V chords of a key (C7-F7-G7 in C blues)
- Serves as the harmonic backbone for blues, jazz, and early rock and roll
Common chord progressions
- Certain chord progressions have become ubiquitous across various musical genres due to their strong harmonic movement and memorable sound
- These progressions serve as templates for songwriting and improvisation, allowing musicians to communicate and collaborate effectively
I-IV-V progression
- One of the most basic and widely used chord progressions in Western music
- Creates a strong sense of tonality and resolution (C-F-G in C major)
- Forms the basis for countless popular songs, from blues to rock to country
ii-V-I progression
- A staple of jazz harmony, often used for turnarounds and cadences
- Combines the supertonic, dominant, and tonic chords (Dm7-G7-Cmaj7 in C major)
- Provides a smooth and functional way to navigate between keys
I-vi-IV-V progression
- Sometimes called the "50s progression" due to its prevalence in mid-20th century pop music
- Offers a balanced mix of major and minor chords (C-Am-F-G in C major)
- Used in countless hit songs across various genres and eras
12-bar blues progression
- The most common form in blues music, consisting of three four-bar phrases
- Follows a I-IV-I-V-IV-I pattern with dominant 7th chords (C7-F7-C7-G7-F7-C7 in C blues)
- Serves as a framework for improvisation and storytelling in blues and related genres
Chord progression analysis
- Analyzing chord progressions involves identifying the functions and relationships between chords in a given key
- This process helps musicians understand the harmonic structure of a piece and make informed choices when composing, arranging, or improvising
Identifying chord functions
- Chords can be classified based on their function within a key, such as tonic, , or dominant
- The tonic chord (I) represents the home base or point of resolution
- The subdominant chord (IV) creates a sense of departure or movement away from the tonic
- The dominant chord (V) builds tension and leads strongly back to the tonic
Tonic, subdominant, and dominant
- The tonic (I), subdominant (IV), and dominant (V) chords form the primary harmonic functions in a key
- These chords are often used to establish the tonality and create a sense of forward motion
- Examples: In C major, the tonic is C, the subdominant is F, and the dominant is G
Secondary dominants
- Chords that temporarily tonicize a non-tonic chord by acting as its dominant
- Identified by the formula V/X, where X is the chord being tonicized (V/ii, V/vi)
- Add color, tension, and direction to a chord progression (D7 resolving to G in C major)
Deceptive cadences
- A type of cadence where the dominant chord resolves to a chord other than the tonic
- Often involves the dominant moving to the submediant (V-vi) or mediant (V-iii)
- Creates a sense of surprise, prolongation, or emotional effect (G7 to Am in C major)
Chord progression creation
- Composing effective chord progressions involves considering the melody, , and overall harmonic direction of a piece
- By understanding the principles of chord function and relationships, musicians can craft progressions that support and enhance their musical ideas
Choosing chords for melody
- Chords should be selected to harmonize the essential notes of a melody
- Consider the key, scale degrees, and rhythmic placement of melodic notes
- Aim for a balance between consonance and dissonance, stability and tension
Voice leading between chords
- Voice leading refers to the smooth and efficient movement of individual voices within a chord progression
- Minimize leaps and avoid parallel fifths and octaves to create a cohesive sound
- Use common tones and stepwise motion to connect chords seamlessly
Harmonizing a melody
- Identify the key and scale degrees of the melody notes
- Choose chords that contain or support the melody notes, following harmonic conventions
- Consider the rhythm and phrasing of the melody when placing chord changes
Modulating to new keys
- involves transitioning from one key to another within a chord progression
- Common techniques include using pivot chords, , or direct modulation
- Plan the modulation to create a sense of direction and variety in the progression
Chord substitution
- Chord substitution involves replacing a chord in a progression with a different chord that serves a similar function or creates a desired effect
- This technique allows musicians to add variety, complexity, and personal style to their chord progressions
Diatonic substitution
- Replacing a chord with another chord from the same key
- Common substitutions include iii for I, vi for I, ii for IV, and vii° for V
- Diatonic substitutions maintain the overall tonality while offering subtle variations
Tritone substitution
- Substituting a dominant 7th chord with another dominant 7th chord a tritone away
- The two chords share the same tritone interval (3rd and 7th), allowing for smooth voice leading
- Creates a chromatic and jazzy sound (Db7 for G7 in C major)
Passing chords and neighbors
- Inserting brief chords between two primary chords to create a sense of motion or embellishment
- often fill in the space between chords by stepwise motion (Dm7 between C and Em)
- Neighbor chords temporarily move away from and back to a primary chord (G/B between C chords)
Altered chords in progressions
- Using chords with altered notes (b5, #5, b9, #9, #11, b13) to add tension and color
- Altered chords are often applied to dominant chords to create a stronger pull towards resolution
- Examples include V7b9, V7#11, and V7b13 (G7b9, G7#11, G7b13 in C major)
Rhythm in chord progressions
- The rhythmic placement and duration of chords can significantly impact the feel and momentum of a chord progression
- By manipulating the and syncopation, musicians can create diverse grooves and textures
Harmonic rhythm
- The rate at which chords change in a progression, measured in relation to the beat
- Slower harmonic rhythms create a sense of stability and space (one chord per bar)
- Faster harmonic rhythms generate momentum and intensity (two or more chords per bar)
Syncopation with chord changes
- Placing chord changes on weak or offbeat positions to create rhythmic interest
- Syncopated chord changes can add a sense of forward drive or unexpectedness
- Examples include changing chords on the upbeats or the "and" of beats
Anticipations and suspensions
- Anticipations involve playing a chord slightly before its expected arrival, creating a sense of eagerness
- Suspensions occur when a note from a previous chord is held over into the next chord, creating tension and release
- Both techniques can add rhythmic and harmonic complexity to a progression
Pedal points and drones
- A pedal point is a sustained or repeated note, usually in the bass, that continues throughout chord changes
- Drones are similar to pedal points but often involve multiple sustained notes
- These techniques can create a sense of stability, tension, or modal ambiguity (C pedal under Dm7-G7)
Texture and chord progressions
- The texture of a chord progression refers to the arrangement and interaction of the musical elements, such as melody, harmony, and rhythm
- Different textures can evoke distinct moods, styles, and levels of complexity
Homophonic vs polyphonic
- Homophonic texture features a single melodic line supported by chordal accompaniment
- Polyphonic texture consists of multiple independent melodic lines that interact harmonically
- Chord progressions can be adapted to suit either texture, depending on the desired effect
Arpeggiation and broken chords
- Arpeggiation involves playing the notes of a chord sequentially rather than simultaneously
- Broken chords are similar to arpeggios but may include repeated notes or different patterns
- These techniques can create a sense of movement, space, or accompaniment style
Accompaniment patterns
- Repetitive or varied rhythmic and harmonic patterns played alongside a melody
- Common include strumming, fingerpicking, walking bass, and comping
- The choice of accompaniment pattern can greatly influence the feel and genre of a progression
Chord-melody arrangements
- Combining the melody and harmony into a single instrumental part, often on guitar or piano
- showcase the interplay between the melodic and harmonic elements
- This texture allows for a more intimate and expressive rendition of a chord progression
Improvising over chord progressions
- Improvisation involves creating spontaneous melodies, rhythms, and harmonies within the context of a given chord progression
- By understanding the relationship between scales, chords, and melodic techniques, musicians can effectively navigate and personalize their improvisations
Chord-scale relationships
- Each chord in a progression is associated with a corresponding scale or mode
- The chord tones (1, 3, 5, 7) are the most stable and consonant notes to emphasize
- Other scale tones can be used as passing notes, approach notes, or tensions
Targeting chord tones
- Aiming for chord tones on strong beats or at the beginning of phrases to outline the harmony
- Using non-chord tones to create tension and resolution towards chord tones
- Emphasizing the 3rd and 7th of each chord to clearly define the harmonic movement
Enclosures and approach notes
- Enclosures involve playing notes above and below a target chord tone before resolving to it
- Approach notes are single notes that lead into a chord tone by step or half-step
- These techniques create a sense of tension and release, adding interest to improvisations
Harmonic generalization
- Simplifying a complex chord progression by identifying common scales or parent keys
- Focusing on the primary chords (I, IV, V) and treating others as passing or color chords
- This approach allows improvisers to maintain melodic fluidity and coherence across the progression
Key Terms to Review (39)
12-bar blues progression: The 12-bar blues progression is a musical structure commonly used in blues music, characterized by a specific chord progression that spans twelve measures or bars. This structure typically follows a pattern of I-IV-V chords, creating a foundation for improvisation and expressive musical phrases. It's a fundamental element of many genres, influencing rock, jazz, and pop music, and showcases the emotional depth inherent in the blues tradition.
Accompaniment patterns: Accompaniment patterns are rhythmic and harmonic frameworks that support a melody, providing a foundation for the music. These patterns often involve the use of chords played in specific sequences, contributing to the overall texture and feel of a piece. They enhance the melodic line while also establishing the mood and structure of the music, making them essential in various musical genres.
Altered chords in progressions: Altered chords in progressions are chords that have been modified by changing one or more of their notes, typically involving alterations to the fifth or ninth degrees. These alterations create tension and dissonance, adding color and interest to musical compositions. They are often used to enhance harmonic movement and resolution within a chord progression.
Anticipations and Suspensions: Anticipations and suspensions are musical techniques that create tension and resolution within a piece by manipulating notes that are held over or introduced before the expected chord change. Anticipation involves playing a note from a chord that will occur in the future before that chord is actually played, while suspension refers to holding a note from a previous chord into the next chord, creating a dissonance that resolves once the chord changes. These techniques add emotional depth and interest to chord progressions.
Arpeggiation and Broken Chords: Arpeggiation refers to the technique of playing the notes of a chord in sequence rather than simultaneously, while broken chords involve playing the notes of a chord one after the other in a specific pattern. This technique is essential for creating movement and texture in music, allowing for smoother transitions between chords and enhancing harmonic progressions. Both concepts contribute significantly to the overall musical expression and can be used in various musical styles.
Blues progression: A blues progression is a specific chord sequence commonly used in blues music, typically following a 12-bar format with a repetitive pattern of I, IV, and V chords. This structure provides a foundation for improvisation and expression, allowing musicians to explore different melodies and rhythms within a consistent harmonic framework. The blues progression is essential in understanding various musical styles, influencing genres like jazz, rock, and R&B.
Borrowed chords: Borrowed chords are chords that are taken from a parallel key, which can create interesting harmonic variation and tension in music. They add color to chord progressions by introducing unexpected harmonies that aren't typically found in the original key, enhancing the emotional impact and depth of the music.
C Major: C Major is a musical key that consists of the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. This key is known for its bright and clear sound, as it contains no sharps or flats in its scale. Understanding C Major is essential because it serves as a fundamental reference point for triads, seventh chords, chord quality identification, chord progressions, and inversions.
Chord-melody arrangements: Chord-melody arrangements are a style of playing where a musician combines chords and melody simultaneously, typically on instruments like the guitar or piano. This approach allows for a fuller musical texture, where the harmony supports the melodic line, creating a richer sound. Chord-melody arrangements are often used in genres like jazz and popular music, where the interplay of chords and melody can enhance the emotional depth of a piece.
Chord-Scale Relationships: Chord-scale relationships refer to the connection between specific chords and the corresponding scales that can be used to improvise or create melodies over those chords. Understanding these relationships helps musicians choose appropriate scales that fit the harmonic context, enhancing the overall sound and allowing for more expressive musical ideas.
Chromatic chord progressions: Chromatic chord progressions are sequences of chords that include notes outside the prevailing key signature, typically involving the use of chromaticism to create tension and color in the music. These progressions enrich the harmonic language by introducing chords that are not diatonic to the key, leading to a more complex and expressive musical narrative. They often enhance emotional depth and provide contrast to diatonic progressions, making them an essential tool for composers and songwriters.
Deceptive Cadences: Deceptive cadences occur when a musical phrase resolves to a chord that is unexpected, typically moving from the dominant chord (V) to a submediant chord (vi) instead of the tonic. This creates a sense of surprise and can evoke various emotional responses, contributing to the overall tension and release within a piece. Understanding deceptive cadences is crucial for analyzing how composers manipulate harmony and expectation in chord progressions.
Diatonic Chord Progressions: Diatonic chord progressions are sequences of chords that are built exclusively from the notes of a specific key or scale. These progressions typically use the seven diatonic chords that correspond to each degree of the scale, providing a sense of tonal unity and coherence in music. Understanding diatonic chord progressions is essential for analyzing and creating music that feels grounded in a particular key.
Dominant seventh: A dominant seventh chord is a four-note chord formed by a root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh above the root. This chord is crucial in establishing tension that seeks resolution, often resolving to the tonic chord in various chord progressions, making it a fundamental component of tonal music.
Enclosures and Approach Notes: Enclosures refer to melodic devices that surround a target note with neighboring pitches, creating tension and resolution in a melody. Approach notes are specific notes that lead into the target note, often played one or two steps away, which helps to emphasize it. Both concepts are essential for crafting expressive melodic lines within chord progressions, as they add depth and interest to musical phrases.
Functional Harmony: Functional harmony refers to the system of chords and their relationships that create a sense of movement and resolution within a piece of music. This concept emphasizes how different chords serve specific roles in relation to the tonic, dominant, and subdominant, guiding the listener through a musical narrative. It is essential in understanding chord progressions, the use of triads and seventh chords, and how these elements work together in harmonic dictation and accompaniment.
G minor: G minor is a musical key characterized by the G minor scale, which consists of the notes G, A, B♭, C, D, E♭, and F. This key is often associated with a somber or melancholic mood and serves as a foundation for various harmonic progressions in both classical and contemporary music.
Harmonic Generalization: Harmonic generalization refers to the concept of simplifying and categorizing chord progressions based on their underlying harmonic functions rather than the specific chords used. This approach allows musicians to recognize patterns, make predictions about musical structure, and apply knowledge across different musical contexts, facilitating greater understanding and creativity in composition and improvisation.
Harmonic rhythm: Harmonic rhythm refers to the rate at which chords change in a piece of music. It influences the overall feel and movement of the music, establishing the framework for chord progressions and contributing to the emotional impact. The concept connects closely with various musical elements, such as melody and rhythm, and is crucial in creating harmonic progression and setting the mood for improvisation.
Homophonic vs Polyphonic: Homophonic music features a primary melody supported by accompanying harmonies, while polyphonic music consists of two or more independent melodies occurring simultaneously. In both styles, chord progressions play a critical role in establishing the harmonic foundation and emotional impact of the music. Understanding these textures is essential for analyzing how different musical lines interact and complement one another.
I-iv-v: The i-iv-v chord progression is a common sequence found in music, particularly in minor keys, where 'i' represents the tonic chord, 'iv' is the subdominant chord, and 'v' is the dominant chord. This progression creates a sense of movement and tension, often leading back to the tonic, making it foundational for many songs. Understanding this sequence is key for recognizing patterns in diatonic harmony and how they contribute to effective chord progressions.
Ii-v-i: The ii-v-i progression is a common chord sequence in music that moves from the supertonic (ii) chord to the dominant (v) chord and resolves to the tonic (i) chord. This progression is foundational in jazz and popular music, creating a strong sense of movement and resolution, and is closely tied to the concepts of chord progressions, diatonic harmony, and harmonic structure.
Jazz changes: Jazz changes refer to a specific type of chord progression commonly used in jazz music, typically characterized by a series of chords that are often derived from popular songs or standard tunes. These progressions create a framework for improvisation and are integral to the harmonic structure of jazz compositions. The use of jazz changes allows musicians to explore different melodic ideas while maintaining a coherent structure within their improvisation.
Lead sheet: A lead sheet is a simplified musical notation that provides the essential elements of a song, typically including the melody, lyrics, and chord symbols. This format allows musicians to quickly understand the structure and harmony of a piece without the need for extensive arrangements, making it especially useful for improvisation and accompaniment.
Modal chord progressions: Modal chord progressions are sequences of chords derived from a specific musical mode, which is a scale type defined by its unique pattern of whole and half steps. Unlike traditional major and minor progressions, modal progressions often evoke different emotional qualities and can create a distinctive sound by emphasizing tones that may not fit into the conventional major/minor framework. This allows for more varied harmonic explorations and can enhance the overall expressiveness of a piece of music.
Modulation: Modulation is the process of changing from one key to another within a piece of music, which can create contrast, excitement, and emotional depth. This shift in tonality can enhance chord progressions by adding variety and can also play a crucial role in harmonic progression. Modulation is often facilitated by secondary dominants, which serve as temporary dominant chords leading into the new key, making transitions smoother. Additionally, understanding modulation helps with transposition, allowing musicians to shift music into different keys effectively, and supports harmonic improvisation by providing a framework for creating melodies that move between keys.
Neighbors: Neighbors are melodic notes that are adjacent to a given note in a scale, often used in music to create movement and embellishment within melodies. This concept is important in understanding how melodies can develop through the use of steps that move from one pitch to an adjacent one, which contributes to the overall harmonic progression of a piece.
Passing chords: Passing chords are chords that create smooth transitions between two primary chords in a progression, often filling the gap between them. They add harmonic interest and can enrich the overall sound by leading the listener from one chord to another, typically using diatonic or chromatic tones. This technique is essential for developing more complex and engaging chord progressions.
Pedal Points and Drones: Pedal points and drones refer to sustained notes that provide a foundation over which harmonies and melodies are developed. A pedal point is typically a single note sustained through changes in harmony, while a drone consists of one or more sustained notes that support the melody throughout a piece. Both techniques enhance the harmonic texture and create tension or resolution within musical compositions, making them essential elements in understanding chord progressions.
Perfect cadence: A perfect cadence is a musical phrase that creates a strong sense of resolution, typically moving from the dominant chord (V) to the tonic chord (I). This progression is often used to signal the end of a musical phrase or piece, giving a feeling of completeness and finality. Perfect cadences are essential in shaping the emotional and structural components of music, helping to guide listeners through a composition.
Plagal Cadence: A plagal cadence is a harmonic progression that typically moves from the subdominant chord (IV) to the tonic chord (I), creating a sense of resolution. This cadence is often referred to as the 'Amen' cadence because it is commonly found at the end of hymns and sacred music. Understanding this concept helps in recognizing how it contrasts with other cadences and contributes to the overall harmonic structure of a piece.
Resolution: Resolution refers to the process by which a musical tension is released, often leading to a sense of closure or stability in a progression. It typically involves moving from a dissonant chord or note to a consonant one, and this transition plays a crucial role in establishing the overall emotional narrative of a piece. Understanding resolution helps musicians recognize how melodies and harmonies interact to create musical coherence.
Roman Numerals: Roman numerals are a numeral system originating in ancient Rome, using combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet to represent values. This system is important in music theory for indicating the scale degrees of chords within a key, allowing musicians to easily understand and communicate harmonic progressions and relationships between chords.
Secondary dominants: Secondary dominants are chords that function as a dominant (V) to a chord other than the tonic in a given key, creating tension and leading to temporary resolutions. They enhance harmonic progression by introducing new tonalities and allowing for a greater sense of movement within a piece. This concept is crucial for understanding how composers expand their harmonic vocabulary and create richer musical textures.
Subdominant: The subdominant is the fourth scale degree in a diatonic scale and serves as an important harmonic function, typically providing a sense of movement away from the tonic while creating tension that leads back to it. This term is crucial in understanding chord relationships and progressions, as the subdominant chord plays a significant role in shaping the musical landscape by preparing for the dominant and returning to the tonic.
Syncopation with chord changes: Syncopation with chord changes refers to the rhythmic technique where emphasis is placed on unexpected beats or offbeats in conjunction with the alteration of harmonic progressions. This technique adds a sense of surprise and complexity to music, enhancing its emotional and dynamic qualities. By creating tension between the syncopated rhythms and the regular pulse of chord changes, musicians can generate a more engaging and lively musical experience.
Targeting chord tones: Targeting chord tones involves deliberately emphasizing specific notes of a chord within a musical line, especially during improvisation or composition. This technique helps create a stronger connection between the melody and harmony, allowing musicians to craft more expressive and cohesive musical phrases. By focusing on the chord tones, a performer can effectively highlight the underlying harmonic structure, making their improvisation feel more intentional and structured.
Tonic-dominant relationship: The tonic-dominant relationship refers to the connection between the tonic chord (the home base of a key) and the dominant chord (the fifth scale degree) in tonal music. This relationship is crucial for creating tension and resolution within a piece, as the dominant often leads back to the tonic, providing a sense of closure and stability. Understanding this relationship enhances our grasp of harmony, chord progressions, and how accompaniment can support melodic lines.
Voice Leading: Voice leading is the practice of composing music in a way that ensures smooth and logical movement from one chord to another by focusing on how individual melodic lines or 'voices' transition between notes. This technique is crucial for creating harmonic progressions that are pleasing to the ear, ensuring that intervals between successive notes are handled with care to maintain clarity and coherence in the musical texture.