Modal Harmony
In this post we will be looking at how modal harmony works and how you can use it in context, using different chord formations and chord extensions. By the end of the post, you will have a good idea… Read More »Modal Harmony
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Chromatic Harmony
In this post we will be looking at a technique to use chords from different keys as a way of introducing some novelty or surprise in your chord progression and without having to necessarily make a permanent modulation. We… Read More »Chromatic Harmony
Multi-Tonic Systems
This system consists in symmetrically dividing the octave in three or four parts. If we consider C to be used as octave, then we will get the pitches C, E and G# or Ab. When using these three pitches harmonically,… Read More »Multi-Tonic Systems
The Types of Modulation
Using modulations in music, temporary or definite, lends a sense of sophistication and brings freshness to your music. That said, this technique is something you should develop; the ability to modulate to any key; being able to come and… Read More »The Types of Modulation
Modulation and Contrasts
A modulation is the shift from one tonal or modal center to another. Its most striking effect is the melodic and harmonic contrast or tension that is created when the shift occurs. This device may be used for a variety… Read More »Modulation and Contrasts
Chromatic Mediants
A mediant or submediant relationship refers to the relative distance of a third interval, ascending or descending, to a reference pitch or tonic. In the case of a C major scale, with C being used as reference pitch, its diatonic… Read More »Chromatic Mediants
Chord Transformations
Chord transformations occur when a chord voicing is altered and transforms that chord into a different one. For example, if you have a C major chord and the move the tonic half-step down, you will get the inverted Em chord… Read More »Chord Transformations
How to Use Block Chords in Your Music
Another good way of thickening the melodic line, or to create a harmonic melody, is to use block chords. These are usually played in rhythmic unison with the melody, or very close to it. The name of this harmonic device… Read More »How to Use Block Chords in Your Music
Parallel Harmonic Movement
This harmonic device consists in moving a chord or a harmonic interval and maintain the relative distance between pitches, or put another way, it’s when all the voices of a chord move in the same direction. It can be used… Read More »Parallel Harmonic Movement
How Pedal Point Can Be Used In Your Music
It refers to a note that is sustained over a long period of time. More often than not, it starts on a consonance and throughout the chord succession, or progression, the note is sustained as a dissonance until it resolves… Read More »How Pedal Point Can Be Used In Your Music
Harmonic Anticipation and Suspension
This device can be used as means of creating, releasing and/or prolonging tension while the underlying harmony changes until it resolves to a new chord or harmonic context. It is used as an effect to increase the interest and depth in a… Read More »Harmonic Anticipation and Suspension
Cycle Chord Progressions
A cycle in a chord progression occurs when the root motion of one chord to another follows a fixed interval – in thirds, fourths, fifths, etc. As an example, you could start on C major and then use one of… Read More »Cycle Chord Progressions
Chord Connection and Voice-Leading
In a chord progression, the involved chord tones move according to certain melodic tendencies. When one writes harmonic progressions or successions, special attention should be paid to the outer voices of chords and their implicit melody since the outer voices… Read More »Chord Connection and Voice-Leading
Harmonic Movement and Chord Progressions
It is the interplay between chords that creates a sense of movement that can be more or less dynamic and/or static. Probably, the most obvious way to achieve harmonic movement is through harmonic rhythm, that is, how fast you change… Read More »Harmonic Movement and Chord Progressions
Cadences and Negative Harmony
This is a technique that makes use of existing material, be it from chords or melodies. As you will see, it is not a simple inversion or mirroring technique because the harmonic functionality in the chord progression will be… Read More »Cadences and Negative Harmony
Back Cycling
This harmonic device is basically a method to create small chord progressions, or just one chord that will lead to a target chord. This technique implies that you consider first the target chord and then figure out what chord could be… Read More »Back Cycling
Augmented Sixth Chords
These chords either lead to or act like secondary dominant chords that, in effect, resolve to the dominant chord before the tonicized chord (*see note). For that reason, they are also referred to as pre-dominant chords. If we consider the… Read More »Augmented Sixth Chords
Secondary Dominants
Harmonic cadences are used to prepare and reinforce the tonic but other diatonic chords can also be reinforced. The dominant chord that exists in the tonality we are using is called a primary dominant. But if you wish to emphasize… Read More »Secondary Dominants
The Sub-7 Dominant Chord Substitute
Considering the C major scale, its natural dominant chord is the G7 and we have been extrapolating chords that can be used to replace its function. Commonly you will find references to a substitute of the V7 chord, abbreviated to… Read More »The Sub-7 Dominant Chord Substitute
Dominant Chord Substitutions
The importance of the tritone to functional harmony was already discussed and considering that chords can be replaced in their function, as long as they share common tones, it is not hard to imagine that the dominant chord (V7) and… Read More »Dominant Chord Substitutions