5.2 Harmonic Progression Rules

Harmonic progression rules are the backbone of diatonic harmony. They guide how chords move and resolve, creating the musical journey we hear. Understanding these rules helps us craft smooth, satisfying chord sequences that support melodies and evoke emotions.

Voice leading is crucial in applying these rules effectively. It ensures each note moves logically from chord to chord, creating a seamless flow. Mastering these concepts allows us to build compelling harmonic structures that captivate listeners and bring our musical ideas to life.

Diatonic Harmonic Progressions

Common Chord Progressions in Major and Minor Keys

• The most common harmonic progressions in major keys include:
  • I-IV-V-I (authentic cadence)
  • I-vi-IV-V-I
  • ii-V-I
  • iii-vi-ii-V-I
• In minor keys, common progressions include:
  • i-iv-V-i (authentic cadence)
  • i-VI-III-VII-i
  • ii°-V-i

Chord Functions and Tendencies

• Tonic chords (I, i) provide a sense of resolution and stability
• Subdominant chords (IV, iv, ii, ii°) create tension and often precede dominant chords
• Dominant chords (V, vii°) have a strong pull towards the tonic
• Deceptive cadences (V-vi in major or V-VI in minor) subvert expectations by resolving the dominant chord to a non-tonic chord
• Plagal cadences (IV-I or iv-i) provide a sense of resolution

Harmonic Rhythm and Structural Importance

• Harmonic rhythm is the rate at which chord changes occur
• Slower harmonic rhythms often indicate more important structural chords
• Faster harmonic rhythms can create momentum and tension
• Varying the harmonic rhythm within a progression adds interest and contrast

Chord Resolution and Voice-Leading

Proper Resolution of Tendency Tones

• The leading tone (7th scale degree) should resolve upwards by step to the tonic
• The chordal seventh resolves downwards by step
• In dominant-tonic resolutions (V-I or V7-I):
  • The third of the dominant chord (leading tone) resolves to the tonic
  • The seventh resolves down by step
  • The root moves to the tonic

Smooth Voice-Leading Techniques

• Minimize large leaps between voices
• Avoid parallel fifths and octaves
• Keep common tones between chords when possible
• Move voices by step when possible
• Proper doubling of chord tones:
  • Root is the best choice for doubling
  • Fifth is the next best choice
  • Third is doubled less often
  • Seventh is rarely doubled to avoid resolution issues
• Incomplete chords (triads with missing fifth or seventh chords with missing fifth) are acceptable for smooth voice-leading

Chord Function in Progressions

Primary Chord Functions

• Tonic chords (I, i, vi, VI) provide stability and resolution
  • Often begin and end phrases or sections
  • Can be used for prolongation
• Subdominant chords (IV, iv, ii, ii°) create tension and lead towards the dominant
  • Frequently occur in the middle of phrases
  • Help expand the harmonic structure
• Dominant chords (V, V7, vii°) create the strongest tension and pull towards the tonic
  • Crucial for establishing cadences
  • Often occur at the end of phrases

Non-Chord Tones and Embellishments

• Non-chord tones embellish the harmonic progression and create interest
  • Passing tones
  • Neighbor tones
  • Suspensions
  • Anticipations
• Analyzed based on their relationship to the underlying chord

Harmonic Structures and Forms

• Harmonic progressions create various musical structures:
  • Periods (antecedent and consequent phrases)
  • Sentences (presentation, continuation, and cadential phrases)
• Analyzing chord functions helps understand these larger structures

Composing Original Progressions

Planning and Structure

• Establish key and meter
  • Influences available chords and functions
• Plan overall structure considering:
  • Desired mood, style, and form
  • Length of progression
  • Placement of crucial structural points (cadences)
• Use common chord progressions as a starting point:
  • I-IV-V-I or i-iv-V-i
  • Expand or alter for variety and interest while maintaining coherence

Applying Proper Resolution and Voice-Leading

• Ensure proper chord resolution by resolving tendency tones correctly
• Use smooth voice-leading techniques:
  • Minimize large leaps
  • Avoid parallel fifths and octaves
  • Keep common tones between chords
  • Move voices by step when possible
• Incorporate non-chord tones for interest and variety:
  • Passing tones, neighbor tones, suspensions, anticipations
  • Maintain proper resolution

Harmonic Rhythm and Analysis

• Vary harmonic rhythm to create contrast and momentum
  • Slower rhythms for important structural chords
  • Faster rhythms for tension or movement
• Analyze composed progression to ensure:
  • Chords function as intended
  • Contribution to overall structure and mood
• Make revisions as necessary for coherence and effectiveness