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Understanding Harmonic Progressions

May 6, 2025

Harmonic Progression and Harmonic Function

Overview

  • The chapter focuses on common harmonic progressions and the principle of harmonic function.

Important Topics

  • Circle of Fifths Progression

    • Fundamental progression used in Western music theory.
  • Harmonic Rhythm

    • Refers to the rate at which chords change in a musical piece.
  • Shorter Progressions from the Circle of Fifths

    • Includes common progressions like II-V-I and VI-II-V-I.
  • Harmonic Function

    • Understanding the role of chords in creating tension and resolution in music.
    • Includes progressions like Tonic-Dominant-Tonic and Tonic-PreDominant-Dominant-Tonic.
  • Exceptions Created by Harmonic Sequences

    • Discusses how sequences can alter the expected harmonic progression.
  • The Subtonic VII Chord in Popular Music

    • Usage of the VII chord in modern music genres.
  • The Best-Seller Progression

    • A common chord progression in popular music.
  • The i-VII-VI-VII Progression

    • Another frequently used progression in music.

Practice Exercises

  • The chapter concludes with exercises to practice harmonic progressions and functions.