A chord progression is a group of chords that travel or progress through a harmonic sequence. A progression can vary in size from two to seven or more chords. They can be either diatonic or chromatic. There are no set rules for chord progressions, although there are some sequences which tend to occur frequently. Diatonic chord progressions contain chords build on only the seven pitches within a given key signature. A triad or seventh chord can be built using each pitch of a major or minor scale as a root for the chord. These chords are given roman numeral labels that correspond to the scale degree within the key that is the root of the chord. In major keys, the diatonic triads and seventh chords are simply constructed by utilizing the root, third, fifth and seventh (in the case of seventh chords) of each scale degree while remaining within the given key signature. In minor keys, the diatonic triads and seventh chords are constructed in almost the same way. However, a slight adjustment needs to be made for two of the chords. The five chord and the seven chord both can act as harmonies that lead to the one chord, so they must possess a leading tone. The natural minor scale contains no leading tone, since the interval between the 7th and 8th scale degrees is a whole step. The harmonic minor scale was created to provide a leading tone when needed for harmonic motion. The key signature of this scale is used when constructing the pitches of the five and seven diatonic chords in minor keys. The key signature of the natural minor scale is used for the construction of all other diatonic minor chords. In addition to diatonic chord progressions, chromatic progressions are also used in music. There are several common methods for utilizing chromatic chord progressions. Mixture is a method in which chords from the parallel minor diatonic sequence are used within a major diatonic progression. Circle of 5th (two-five-one) progressions can be used to created temporary alternate key centers. In this type of situation, a chord you are traveling to (like a four chord) could be temporarily perceived as a one chord, and a two-five-one progression can be used to travel to this chord. Chromatic leading chords can also be used to travel to diatonic chords. The most popular chromatic leading chord is the diminished seventh chord that is a half step below the chord you are traveling to. Seventh chords with altered upper extensions can be used to introduce chromatic pitches. Finally, tritone substitution can be used to created altered two-five-one progressions. Every dominant seventh chord shares a tritone shell (3rd and 7th) with another dominant seventh chord a tritone away. These two dominant seventh chords can be used interchangeably in two-five-one progressions. The best way to acquaint yourself with common chord progressions is to listen to the progressions used in the music on your playlists. Listen first to the bass line and use it to determine the roots of the chords. Then listen for the upper tones to establish the quality of the chords. In addition, experiment on either a guitar or piano forming various chord progressions. Listen to the character of each progression and the relationships between the different chords. Expand your knowledge by developing strategies for connecting progressions. The study of chord progressions can be an advanced musical topic, but an understanding of this topic will unlock the knowledge needed for even larger future topics. Links: Ray Melograne YouTube site: http://www.youtube.com/user/raymelogranemsusic Ray Melograne website: http://www.raymelograne.com Ray Melograne Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ray-Melograne/108305282593513 Ray Melograne Twitter site: https://twitter.com/RayMelograne Ray Melograne Reverbnation site: http://www.reverbnation.com/raymelogranemusic Ray Melograne Itunes page: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ray-melograne/id595089400 Ray Melograne CdBaby page: http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/RayMelograne Ray Melograne Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_srch_drd_B00B4JSN6Y/178-2554698-9896402?ie=UTF8&field-keywords;=Ray%20Melograne&index;=digital-music&search-type;=ss Ray Melograne Rhapsody page: http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/ray-melograne Ray Melograne TheZone.com site: https://www.thezoen.com/teachers/ray-melograne-music-theory-piano-saxophone-songwriting-and-voice Ray Melograne Myspace site: https://myspace.com/raymelograne Ray Melograne Eyoked site: http://www.eyoked.com/profile/RayMelograne Ray Melograne Bandmix page: http://www.bandmix.com/ray-melograne-music/ Ray Melograne AirPlayDirect page: http://www.airplaydirect.com/music/RayMelograne/ Ray Melograne Teacher Eboard page: http://www1.eboard.com/eboard/servlet/BoardServlet?ACTION=BOARD_SHOW&SITE;_NAME=lindenhurstschools&BOARD;_NAME=rmelograne&SESSION;_ID=mqnxj01cs63o2yq9961

• published: 05 Nov 2014
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