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.