Overview
This lesson explores non-diatonic chord progressions, focusing on parallel minor seventh chords as heard in Kerri Chandler's "Mommy What's a Record" and their use in deep house music.
Diatonic vs Non-Diatonic Chords
- Diatonic chords use only notes found in a single key or scale.
- Non-diatonic chords contain notes that are not in the key, creating new harmonic possibilities.
Song Example: "Mommy What's a Record"
- The song uses a progression of three chords: C minor 7, G minor 7, and A minor 7.
- All chords are minor sevenths played in root position and with the same voicing.
Parallel Chord Progressions
- Parallel progressions repeat a single chord type, transposed to different roots.
- In parallel progressions, all notes in each chord move in the same direction and distance.
- These progressions often lack a sense of strong key, resulting in a "vague" or "floating" sound.
- Parallel seventh chords are common in deep house and related genres.
Use of Synthesizer or Sampler
- The chords in the example are played by an electronic instrument, such as a synthesizer or sampler.
- Layers are added as the song develops, but the chord progression remains central.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Diatonic chord — a chord using only notes from a single major or minor scale.
- Non-diatonic chord — a chord including notes not found in the given key or scale.
- Minor seventh chord — a four-note chord built from a root, minor third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh.
- Parallel progression — a sequence where the chord type remains the same and is transposed to different roots.
- Sampler — an instrument that plays back recorded audio sounds (samples).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Listen to "Mommy What's a Record" and identify the parallel minor seventh chords.
- Experiment with creating your own parallel chord progressions using synthesizers or samplers.