Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Berklee - Harmony 1-4
Berklee - Harmony 1-4
ytmaj7 burt?” . . ; bor S_RARMORTG MINOR * a new diatonic chord * 1 I- ire Pyrite ¥r- v byt VIIe & = z S52 ag 2 : I-(maj7) 11-7605) Srrtmay76t5? Iv-7 y76b9) Pyimaj7, VIIS7 fl 4 bg) Lg ba Se aE oe = See eet Harmonic minor IV © MELODIC MINOR (ascending) e . * A new diatonic chord t- ou Pirie ov vo vis vate =p ore pe 23 wee I-(maj7) 1-6 ri-7 0 Prtmag7'?5? 17 Ww vr-7025)vtr-7 41 q-(maj7) E. Fe (pai /E Se ————— SoM >ytmay7 Dima j7 Chapter 4 Harmony 4 ~ 19 Fanetional classifications are not absolutely clear cut in minor, but they are still based on the Tonic (1), Subdominant (IV), and Dominant (V) chords. I minor and DAT major chords are Tonic. V7 and VII°7 chords are Dominant. IV, 1 DVI and bYIT chords are all Subdominant. Harmonic cadences in minor keys are based on motion from Subdominant and/or Dominant chords to Tonic. Line Cliche’Chapter 4 Harmony 4 20 OTHER MINOR MODES : Any mode containing a minor 3rd above the tonic is considered minor. Although i many different minor modes are available, the discussion here will be limited to Dorian, Phiygian and Aeolian. These are traditional church modes, with names + from ancient Greek usage. frequently found in contemporary Westem harmonic practice. ® ‘The modal quality of any of the less familiar modes is determined by 3 characteristic note: the note in the scale which makes it different from natural minor (or different from lonian for a major mode). Dorian: The characteristic note of the Dorian mode is 46. C Natural minor ¢ Dorian 72 ‘The Dorian mode is like 2 natural minor scale with a raised 6th. It can be found on the white keys of a keyboard by starting on D. aL D Dorian D Neural minor 2 & ee = ‘The accidentals for C Dorian came from BP major, its relative major. The relative major of D Dorian is C major (no accidentals), 2 major 2nd below. Because Dorian gets its modal quality from the characteristic note 4 6, most diatonic chords which cantain that note are called chanseteristic chords . i It is important to remember that we are not asing "Dorian" as the name for a I-7 chord scale here; we are referring to a fanie mode. Listed below are the diatonic triads and seventh chords in the £ey of C Dorian. 1-7 1-7 Prrtmaj7 V7 vr vr-7°5) yrinas7 IChapter 4 Harmony 4 a "T" means tanie. The letter °C" denotes a characteristic chard, and “A’ means an. avoid chard. *C/A* denotes a chord that contains the characteristic note; but is only sometimes modal sounding. Unlike standard minor key harmony, modal harmony does not use subdominant and dominant categories. The I chord is tonic and the others are nomtonic. Characteristic chords establish the modal flavor, and a resolution from a characteristic chord to I is a modal cadence. ‘The diminished triad and the minor 7 (5) chord are avoided in modal chord progressions, even when they contain the characteristic note. They are quite unstable, do not resolve effectively to I in these modes, and may imply the relative major key instead. ‘The following progression establishes the sound of C Dorian effectively. Bf 'VIImaj7 & tena} ! z= T +1, | = i ; | = —— ‘The DVIimaj7 was introduced in Harmony 2 as a non-diatonic cadential chord, frequently used in modal interchange to the parallel majar key. The chord can now be derived from the Darian mode. However, when it is used in a amamoda/ major kkey progression, it is considered subdominant (related to the IV chord). sp SP. E major Imaj7_ VI-7 1vmaj7? PvITmaj7—Imaj7 aaj? D-7 Bbmaj7 Ebmaj7 Fnaj7 e ez Fat = ‘The next progression fails to establish C Dorian, even though it is "technically" correct. ee c/a C Dorian? 1-7 >yttmej7 7 I-7 Cc-7 Boma j7 c-7 Bll j . ee = Z ae 3 . \EBEE f f In this example, the F7, although characteristic, is V7 in the relative major key (BP). Because of its instability and the harmonic rhythm of the phrase, F7 implies a tonic on BD instead of C.Chapter 4 Harmony 4 2 ‘The same chord, IV7, has already been seen resolving to I in blues and in melodic minor progressions. it can also be used in an effective Dorian pattern, if the relative major sound is avoided. fone C dorian = I- ve 1- w7 - deter Tye be W ke 1b a s a. ee eae 5 ; = iat v i oT a at ete 2 — $o3 pe mE = ‘The use of.a tonic triad instead of a seventh chord increases the stability of the mode. Key Signatures: Normal major and minor key signatures are used throughout this book, but modal key signatures are also possible. A modal key signature is the same as its relative major key signature (BP Major for C Dorian). To avoid confusion, the name of the mode (eg: “F Phrygian’) should be written along with a modal key signature. It is at also possible, but probably time-consuming, to use no key signature and to add all =” appropriate accidentals before notes. PHRYGIAN: The characteristic note of the Phrygian mode is 62. € Wacural minor © Phrygian rs de = SoS = e ‘The Phrygian mode is like a natural minor scale with a lowered 2nd. It can be found on the white keys of a keyboard by starting on E. E Phrygian & Natural minor zd = Se ‘The accidentals for C Phyrgian come from Ab major, its relative major. The relative major of E Phyrgian is C major (a major 3rd below).Chapter 4 Listed below are the diatonic triads and seventh chords in C Phrygian, with the tonic chord, characteristic chords (containing 2), and avoid chords indicated. a c ve Byte te fe ~Pir Mire ’ \ oa. hom A ¢ c Lv-7 v-7 623) hye? ‘ ‘The DITI7 in Phrygian is avoided because it almost inevitably implies the relative major key. he Intended sound, ie briny 1ve7 byrr-7 Pria7 vtmas7 in ¢ Phrygian: 1117 t-7 setual sound in Ab major:(V7/1) 1II-7 (V7/1) VI-7 7 _C-7 ER? Fe7 aE = ‘The following progressions establish the Phrygian mode effectively. (Key signatures are for the normal minor key, as usual). ¢ F Phrygian: [- I-7 Prtmaj? ie = B-7 obaaj? Fe sre 4 ¢ Phrygian: I- 1-7 byreay7 we? Pftmay? 1 : e- G27/F Ebmaj7_C-7_.abmaj? é- : = j Ss2E= Bat A vF. vf. vf AsPhrygian:I-7 VII-7 T-7 VII-7 °TImaj? 1-7 as? s-7 AT G-7___Bbnaj?_A-7 BeChapter 4 Harmony 4 rt bilmaj7 was introduced in Harmony 2 as a non-diatonic cadential chord. It can now be derived from the Phrygian mode. However, it is frequently used in 2azzmoda/ : major or minor key progressions. In these situations, Milmaj7 is considered a subdominant minor chord, related to the IV- and -7 (65) chords in natural minor. Tt does contain scale degree 66, common to all subdominant minor chords. SDM SOM (ys) SDM ive 11-7883) Tymaj7 = spi oot VImaj7 maj? x. Dbmaj? Coma}? | | | ‘a SoH 11-7 yr6 vr Imaj7 G7 pbs or Fa}? 2 i 1 = ——— Fr FO o o> | = & roaChapter 4 Harmony 4 25 AEOLIAN: The Acolian mode is identical to the natural minor scale, and therefore does not have an mustial modal quality. Most minor key harmony, however, draws on natural, harmonic and possibly melodic minor chords, as well as secondary and substitute secondary dominants. When a piece of music is composed exc/asévely of Aeolian chords and cadences, it does have a "modal" sound. The characteristic note of the Acolian mode is 56, The mode can be found on the white keys of a keyboard by starting on A, and its relative major is a minor 3rd above (C major). Listed below are the diatonic triads and seventh chords in C Aeolian, with the tonic, characteristic and ane chords indicated. b re re Pry Iw. ve zmaj7 I~ I-7 Bbmaj7 b= Do7/c Bbma: G Aeolian: Ie 1-7Chapter 4 Harmony 4 26 MAJOR MODES ‘Any mode containing a major 3rd above the tonic is considered major. (It is rare but possible to have a mode with both a major and a minor 3rd: this would be a special case), The major church modes are Ionian, Lydian and Mixolydian. lonian is our major scale. The others will be described in terms of their characteristic notes: those notes which make them different from normal major (fonian). LYDIAN: The characteristic note of the Lydian mode is #4. ¢ iydien p = a = on ‘The Lydian mode is like a major scale with a raised 4th. It can be found on the white keys of a keyboard by starting on F. yf biden F najor &€ ‘ # ‘The accidentals for C Lydian come from C major, its relative major. The relative major of F Lydian is C major (a perfect 4th below). Listed below are the diatonic triads and seventh chords in C Lydian, with the tonic, characteristic and avoid chords indicated. 4 c, ave ov Vie VEI- c I tr TI ¥ c/a A c/a c maj? 17 rit-7— gtv-7025? vmaj7 vie? VII? ; 2 BE & SS ‘The [17 (C/A) is similar to [V7 in Dorian in that it may imply the relative major key. C Lydian? — Imaj7 m7 vmaj7 Imaj7 ee ae ely ? In the example above, D7 to Gmaj7 sounds like V7 to Imaj7 in G, and Cmaj7 sounds like [Vmaj7.Chapter 4 Harmony 4 21 ‘The Vmaj7 (C/A) may sound like | in the relative major. even if it is not preceded by 7. G Lydian? Ima j? yma $7 Imaj? cma}? Gmaj7 cmaj? In this example, the progression really sounds like IV, I, IV in the key of G. In general, the relative major is easily implied, simply beeatsse major key chord patterns are so familiar. 117 has already been seen as a special fection dominant 7th. In the Lydian mode, the If major triad is usually more effective. Vmaj7 can be used if the harmonic rhythm is carefully controlled, and the I chord emphasized. : ‘The following examples establish the Lydian mode effectively (normal major key signatures are used). c & c Bb_Lydian: Imaj7 ba Ina}? VII-7 an IL Bbmaj7 c Boma j7 aT ¢ , = = == = 4 c ¢ D Lydian: Imaj7 VII-7 11-7 VI-7 1 vite? or PRESS! yma] Cf-7 Fi-7) | 8-7 B19) ca? 3?)Chapter 4 Harmony 4 28 MIXOLYDIAN: The characteristic note of the Mixolydian mode is b7. p_& major C Mixolydian fs = = = 7 ‘The Mixolydian mode is like a major scale with a lowered 7th. It can be found on the white keys of a keyboard by starting on G. G Mixolydian G major $ ete & i ‘The accidentals for C Mixolydian come from F major, its relative major. The relative major of G Mixolydian is C major (a perfect Sth below). Listed below are the diatonic triads and seventh chords in C Mixolydian, with the ‘~~ tonic, characteristic and avoid chards indicated. T vf. T tt- Tit? ov v vi- 9 Pyrr c <7 VI-7 ’yttmaj7 ‘The. I7 chord in Mixolydian contains the characteristic note, making it a characteristic chord as well. The chord is of course a tonic blues chord, and only becomes a *modai" I chard in the presence of a Mixolydian cadence. The J major triad and the I7( ) are often used as Mixolydian tonic chords, since the [7 could, in some cases, imply the relative major- © Mixolydian? 7 IVmaj? 7 7 Fmaj7, cr ‘The progression above really sounds like V7, Imaj1, V7 in the key of F because the sound of dominant cadence is so familiar. 7Chapter 4 Harmony 4 29 The following progressions establish the Mixolydian mode effectively. ; be besten * 17 ses) vf. 4 17 (sus4) c p7(ousé) tbeas? F7(susd) be} F : ie? = | ae | oo | oS \" | nt | = ¢ ¢ b Eb Mixolydian: I v7 1 vlmaj7? 1 seme ax8 Eb Bb- p69) Dbmaj7 gp(?) fo | t T Gey Ss B - 1 | | | EAS # af Both /-7 end bVIimaj7 are familiar chords from the Dorian mode, but are considered ‘Mixolydian cadential chords when resolving to I aafar. AVAILABLE TENSIONS ‘Available tensions for chords in the modes are like tensions for diatonic major key chords: 1) they must be available an the given chord, and 2) they must be diatonic to the mode. For example, an E-7 chord can take tensions 9 and 11 E-7 1 bs 5 (B79 aL E Phrygian mode, however, the note F# is not diatonic. F4 jis diatonic, bat « Raldbe s 8 which isnot avalable on a minor Tth chord. ‘Therefore, a Phrygian 7 chord takes tension 11 only.Chapter 4 Harmony 4 20 ‘The characteristic notes of all three minor modes (Dorian, Phrygian and Aeolian) are avoid notes on their I chords. We will make an exception for the Dorian mode here, but other modal voicing techniques must wait for "Advanced Modal Harmony*. The modes are established harmonically with modal cadences. To voice a 4 6, or tension 13, on the Dorian I-7, use an apper structure trisd. 23) ay DB Ddorian: EX = +7 * [As illustrated above, a Dorian voicing can be created with an upper structure trisd above the original chord. The first is a minor triad a whole step higher, and the second is a major triad a perfect fourth higher. The chord symbols for upper structure triads can be called campoand chard symbalz. A compound chord symbol with 2 sanimata/ line, like the ones above, indicates a chord over a chord - two chords played simultaneously. A compound ders syanbol with 2 igo? ‘Tine , like the ones below, indicates a chord over 2 singie note. E-/D = £-7 (3rd inversion) _G/D = G (2nd inversion) (A chord over a single bass note may represent an inversion, as above, or a hybrid voicing of the kind discussed later in this book.Chapter 4 Harmony 4 St The characteristic notes of the two major modes are available on their I chords. ‘The Mixolydian mode's 47 is a chord tone on 17, and the Lydian's #4 becomes tension #11 on I major in any form. Tension #11 is frequently a member of an upper structure triad. Tensions on other modal chords will be available on the chard and diatonic to the mode, Melodic approach notes should be either diatonic or chromatic, and are treated as usual.Views bred fale We may determine which of these are available chords are listed below (triads, althoagh not listed, are of course available instead of seventh chords). : Chapter 5 Harmony 4 2 MODAL INTERCHANGE ‘We have already examined the use of subdominant chords from natural minor in the parallel major key. This process, called modal interchange, accounts for several very ‘common cadential patterns. SDM Imaj7 VIAV IVmaj71V-6 Imaj7 re Fmaj? FT 1 Bbmaj? BOS | Fmaj7 II SDM §DM Imaj? ViMV_1V-7 PyiT —tmaj7 Fmaj? FP? 1 BO? EET | Fmaj7I! SDM_ SDM. 1-7 (V1) Vimaj?_ Mmaj7_—Imaj7 G7 CT. st DPmaj7_— GOmaj7_ | Fmaj7 1) ‘The use of the harmonic minor II V in the parallel major key is another common form of modal interchange. Imaj7 subV7M_ 0-705) V7. Imaj7 Fimaj7 ALT 1-706) CHO} Frmai7H canine ‘Modal interchange, then, is a process involving the use of chords from ane mode in the harmonic context of another parallel mode. It can also be described as ‘a chord from a different mode on the same tonal center. The harrowing chord suggests the sound of its own mode without actually modulating to that mode. ‘Theoretically, any chord from any mode is a potential ‘However, some chords are used in MI more frequently than others, and some almost never occur in other modes. modal interchange (MI) chord. begin by listing the possible chords for each scale degree. We can then ich of these ‘used MI chords and how they are used. The aE™ Harmony 4 Soe SCALES FOR POSSIBLE I CHORDS Chord. Modal Sources, Imaj7 Tonian, Lydian 16 Jonian, Lydian 17 Aeolian, Dorian, Phrygian 8 Melodic, Dorian Imai?) Harmonic, Melodic TT or 17(8u=4) Mixolydian, Blues These are all frequently used MI chords. Some progressions are actually based on a series of different I chords. 1maj7 (Jonian) 17 (S882) (Mixolydien oma}? pause 7 (fonian) (Lydian) Imaj7 i? & Fmaj7 (Tonian) F-7 (Aeolian) F = farmonic) (Dorian) ¢ &. FE ‘onian)Chapter 5 Harmony 4 34 Other tunes modulate freely between parallel major and minor keys. F I } 2 byrma)z ES Eb-7 ably Bema} ese a: prep 6b) vist 7 Via étstbs) gree nay ag 13) 7 Tos) T vire7{P5) vrivE 1 «b5) 9) 1t27 Es? ar vie 7 F [nena Sacaenies S When a chord can be derived from more than one mode, the choice of chord scale and available tensions may be determined by the composer, arranger or performer. If the melody does not clearly indicate a scale, the harmonic context should be considered. The following guidelines will work in most situations. Imai, and I are pormallyfonian unless #11 is indicated by the melody or chord symbol. EZ is normally Aeolian, although Darian is becoming a more frequently used tonic mode. Phrygian is indicated only by the chord symbol or a melodic 2. 6 is nearly always melodic minor. [4majD) can be either melodic or harmonic minor. TZ is csually interpreted as a blues chord. Ina series of different I chords, ‘however, it is usually Mixolydian, and 175884) is nearly always Mixolydian.Chapter 5 Harmony 4 35 POSSIBLE I CHORDS Chord Modal Sources 7 Tonian, Dorian, Mixolydian, Melodic I-7(65) Aeolian, Harmonic (maj7 Phrygian (also a subdominant minor chord) aT Lydian (normally a special Timetion dominant) A MIchord other than I will take a chard scale thatis diatonic tothe fanfic mode it comes from. IE-7 ina major key is normally from Ionian, so it takes a Dorian chard scale . F Major: 11-7 F lonian G-7 (Dorian) Tbs Til 5 (6) 87 II-7 in a Mixolydian modal context, on the other hand, would take an Aeolian chu! F Mixo : II-7 F Mixolydian G=7 (Aeolian) 1 19 b3 T11 5 (b6)* b7 I-7 ina Dorian modal context would take a Phrygian hand scale. F- Dorian: [1-7 F- Dorian ; G-7 (Phrygian) 1 (b2) b3 Tll 5 (b6)b7 11-7 in a melodic minor context would take a Phrygian 4 6 chard scale . F- Melodic: 1-7 F- Melodic 6-7" (Phrygian, 46) = 3 = == 1 (b2) -b3 Tll 5 (6) b7 By using these less familiar chord scales, 1-7 can sound like an MI chord - it can implya tonicmode offer than Ionian. Although we will not list every possible chard scale for every chord, this same process can be applied to any MI chord.Chapter 5 Harmony 4 36 1-75) is normally found in a harmonic minor HIV. In a minor key’ it always takes a Locrian chord scale, but when used in a major key as a MI chord it may take a Tocrian 49 scale. : gOS) F Major Tr-7%b3) 7(b3) F minor: ce (Loerian) {©5) (reerian 49) T9b3. TIL 65 Tbl3 7 The A4 (49 in Locrian 49 above is considered appropriate in F major because it is the major 3rd of the key. 1-105) can also resolve up by step to bffimaj7 and down by step to I. 6 1-6 6 6/c Prrtmaj7 Abmaj? 8 Other pattems for I-15) would be extremely’ rare. a anChapter 3 Harmony 4 37 HImaj7 always takes a Lydian chord scale (diatonic to [- Phrygian). rimaj? Dbmaj? (Lydien) TF ee 7 10079 30 TH 5 TR When used in a simple major key context it is generally considered a subdominant minor chord. sox SUM sox. Gnaj7 D7 bus}? Abnaj7? naj? C7 Bomaj7 Abuaj7 aaj? 1. i on In a more complex harmonic context, bflmaj7 sounds more like the characteristic Phrygian chord it is. z Fuaj? imaj? 87 cnaj? AT Fmaj7 Emaj7 Ee Fate =| fo SF SF IIT usually occurs as VI/V, When it resolves to I or IV it is considered a special famction dominant chard. Therefore, it can rarely, if ever, be heard as a Lydian Modal Interchange chord. MgHarmony 4 38 Chord. _ Modal Sources TH-7 Tonian, Lydian UlTimaj? Dorian, Aeolian Ulimaj7(#5) Harmonic, Melodic 7 Phrygian TH-705) Mixolydian IML-7. normally takes a Phrygian chord scale. An Aeolian chord scale would imply a tonic Lydian context. ¢ Lydian byfimai7, a familiar natural minor chord, takes a Lydian scale when used in 2 major key. Ina tonic Aeolian context it takes an lonian chord scale. = Prim: © Aeolian Ebmaj7 (Ionian) = az eo F batimaj7 (#5) takes a chord scale derived from either melodic or harmonic miner. Pritmaj7 >? Prrtmay7 645) zonaj7“#5) (grom ¢ Melodic) ebmaj7‘!5) (erom ¢ Haznonic) bg]. is heard as subV7/Il, or as a linking chord in a blues context. It is therefore not considered a real Modal Interchange chord from Phrygian. - I-75) js also frequently used as a linking chord in blues progressions. However, it is Clearly related to the 17 chord in Mixolydian and takes a Locrian chard scale. 475) 10-7 p-7(b5) C Mixolydian (Loerian) = IL-7 (5) is usually found as the related I of V2. cmaj7 705) 7D gp) a7 Bw D7 xa?Chapter 5 Harmony 4 33 POSSIBLE IV CHORDS Chord ‘Modal Sourre Winaj7 Ionian, Mixolydian 7 Dorian, Melodic, Blues 1-7 ‘Aeolian, Phrygian, Harmoni #TV-7005) isan” ‘JWmajZ takes a Lydian chord scale. IV7_ is usually heard as a blues subdominant chord. As such, it generally takes a Lydian 07 or a blues scale. IV-1 takes a Dorian chord scale. The IV- triad, IV-6 and IV-{maj7) chords are also used as Modal Interchange chords in the parallel major key. IV-6 and IVmaj7) take melodic minor scales. (IV-6 may also take a Dorian scale.) Lo a is considered an altered subdominant major chord, and therefore does not have Modal Interchange fiction. is normally found as the related II of V7/IV. When it moves to a I major chord, bowere, it i an effective Modal Interchange cadential chord which usually takes 3 Dorian chord scale. A Phrygian chord scale on V-7 would imply a tonic natural minor context. G7 (Phrygian) ce SS SZ maj? G-7 (Dorian) : maj? a : FFF] ar# bated Chapter 5 Harmony 4 40 ‘¥-Kb5) occurs only as the related 11-7(b5) of V7/IV, and is not considered a Modal Interchange chord. Ymai7 is a possible Modal Interchange chord, but difficult to establish, since in ‘context it tends to sound like a I chord. Imaj7 Vmaj7_ — Imaj7 Cmaj7 | Gmaj7 | Cmaj7l! (really sounds like) TVmaj7 | imaj? | TWmaj7ll Rhythmic emphasis and duration on I can help to create the somd of a Lydian cadence from Vmaj7. Bee yma 37 Vymaj7 cnaj7 Cea}? Gmaj?_—Cnaj? Gmaj7? Gna}? eee ee ee ee POSSIBLE VI CHORDS Chord. Modal Sources. Vi Ionian, Lydian, Mixolydian Vi-7 05) Dorian, Melodic DVimaj7 Phrygian, Aeolian, Harmonic YET normally takes an Aeolian chord scale. With a Dorian scale it implies a Lydian tonic mode, and with a Phrygian scale it implies a Mixolydian tonic mode. Z ¢ Ionian A+7 (Aeolian) = © Lydian A+7 (Dorian) & = SS at * © Mixolydian A-7 (Phrygian) zsChapter 5 Harmony 4 re VI-765) is uswally heard as a melodic minor chord, and therefore takes a Locrian 9 9chord scale. 7tb3) (25) (Locrian #9) © Melodic Minor = byImaj7 normally takes a Lydian chord scale. With an Jonian scale it implies a tonic Phrygian mode. Pytmaj7 © Phrygian Abmaj7 (Tonian), = POSSIBLE VII_CHORDS Chord. Modal Sources YUL-7 3) Ionian, Melodic ee SyiImaj7 Dorian, Mixolydian ed Pangan 7 ian by7 Aeolian vir Harmonic VE-705) usually occurs as the related I of V7/VI. and is typically preceded by a I chord. Its chord scale is Locrian. yir-7{P5? VIIVI phe) £70 a maj? It is rarely, if ever. used in a cadence to I. Dbyiimai7 is a frequently used cadential chord. and in major keys takes a Lydian chord scale. An Ionian chord scale would imply a tonic Dorian mode. >yttmaj7 © Dorian Bbmaj7 (Ionian) SSS = =4 Chapter 5 Harmony 4 a2 byYI-7 , although relatively rare, can be an effective cadential Modal Interchange chord. It takes a Dorian chard scale. VII-T is also a strong Modal Interchange chord, especially when going to I. Its chord scale is Phrygian. bYII7 is a familiar SDM chord which takes a Lydian 57 scale in major keys, and a Mixolpdian scale in minor keys. VIIP7 sounds like the first inversion of V7®9Y1, Its scale is based on the tonic harmonic minor.Chapter 6 Harmony 4 43 Pedal point derives its name from the organ, an instrument with pedals arranged like a keyboard for bass notes. A singie bass note sustained through a series of chords iscalled pedal point . In most cases, a pedal point is sustained on the tonic or dominant note of the key. The following examples, although bland, are typical uses of tonic and dominant points. Cmaj7 0-7/6 E-7/C_Fmaj2/C E-7/C__D=7/C maj? at Caaj7/G D-7/G E-7/G _Fmaj?/G__E-7/G__D-7/G__Cnia7/6 = Because a sustained pedal point creates a strong feeling of continuity within a key, a high level of tension and dissonance is acceptable above the pedal. Even “wrong” notes sound good if they resolve to available notes. Fmaj7 £/F Eb/F EF et zis eaeeae 7: " — = z Z LS = 5s 7 The pedal in the example above is slightly thythmicized. Some pedal points emphasive a rhythmic motive. ; Eomaj7 x cose a 4%, i a == ee T — r rT — T r Fmaj7/Eb Emaj7/£b Ebmaj7 es z a =e aE ae , ‘and would normally resolve to F major or F minor. These voicings, then. are charactensstically ambiguous sounding, because the 3rd would normally establish a major or minor quality, and would also create a tritone for dominant 7th chords. The following are some typical hybrids: 7 (sus) 2? G/c = Cnaj7 A-7/D = 0-7 cmaj7/F = Fmaj7( #1)? YS} [Ss The use of a compound ch ymbol does not in any way change the functional analysis of the chord. If C7 is V7 in the key of F, then Gb and GPC are also V7 in the key of F. C7 Any inversion of C7, such as C1/G, also remains V7 in F. POLYCHORDS: A chord over a chord is analyzed in terms of the function of the Jower structure. The upper structure simply represents tensions or extensions of the basic chord. The following progression is analyzed in-C in terms of the lower structures, The lower structures do not contain Sth’s. which are considered unnecessary unless altered. ‘S c: Imaj?V7/IV G a teas? eatChapter 7 Harmony 4 4g INVERSIONS : A chord over a bass note that is its 3rd, Sth or Tth is an inversion, and is analyzed as if it were in root position. The following example represents basically the same chord progression, but uses inversions instead of polychords. The sound is characteristically less complex. fo C: Imaj7 v7/1¥ Ww >rimaj? imaj7 Gay? ChB Dopaji/ab __Cnai7/6 ‘The analysis above is the same as the analysis in the previous example because it is the same progression. Although the Aass motion has changed. the roof motion remains the same, and the chords are essentially of the same type. HYBRIDS : A chord over a single bass note that is aof an inversion (rd, Sth or 7th in the bass) is usually a hybrid. Therefore, the bass note should be considered the root, and the notes of the apper structure used to determine the chord type. In the following example, C is the root and the notes of the upper structure create @ Sth, major 7th and major 9th above the root. ‘Since the voicing contains no 3rd above C. it could be interpreted as either Cmaj7 or C-Gmaj), In most situations the more common Cmaj7 would be the obvious choice, bat the overall harmonic context might indicate the atlemative. Because of the major. ‘Tth. it could not be interpreted as a dominant or miner 7th chord.Harmony 4 30 Each chord type in this progression is determined by the relationship of the upper structure notes to the root. We have seen that G/C equals a formula of 1.3.7.9. Ga/C equals a formula of 1, 65, 57, 09, E-7/F equals a formula of 1, 7,9. #11, 13, and C/D® equals a formula of 1. 7, 9, #11. oe eo/e c/o 2 es 5 : z CIS ie | | | ces =f Fos! = : In each case the chord formula derived from the voicing strongly suggests the chord 3 type. and therefore its fimetion in the key. fn some situations, however, the hybrid formula does not clearly define its chord type or femetion, = 31-7 Bb: Imaj7 oF viv 73884) 957 F/Bb oye E/E #730 a oo ‘The G-/C in this example equals a chord formula of 1. 5, 67, 9, which could be either C-7 or C7854), ‘The harmonic rhythm would allow either interpretation. so unless i the melody indicated one or the other. a choice would be mace on the basis of the overall musical context and style. Either choice would be technically correct.‘Another area of uncertainty involves an exception to the inversion rule (referred to earlier). A major triad a whole step above the bass note (F/EP) has two altemative interpretations: !) The inversion rule would make it a dominant 7th with the 7th in the bass (F7); 2) the hybrid interpretation would give it a Lydian sound (EP major Lydian or EP?, Lydian 7). Again, the choice must be made on the basis of musical context. ‘The first example below uses F/ED as an inversion of F7. The second uses the same compound chord symbol, and the same voicing, as 4 hybrid version of E° major Lydian. Eb: Imaj7_ maj. (Lyd.) 17°S884) (Mixo.) Imaj. (Lyd.) Ebmaj7 F/ED Db/Eb F/ED — a a agSE = | Se = = == eae Chapter 7 Harmony 4 82 TENSIONS AND CHORD SCALES Since the use of compound chord symbols does not change the rules of harmonic analysis. neither does it change the principles of tension and chord scale use. As alivays, the harmonic analysis dictates the choice of chord scale. However, specific voiings for polyghors and hybrids often indicate specific alternate chord scales. Our first example. o or GUC. clearly indicates an altered dominant seale, even if the chord is V7/I Gn F) or V7/IV Gn ©). In summ: tensions that are included in the voicing should also be included in the chard scal fay % the + 5 e —— r— 3 The use of inversions similarly does not affect harmonic analysis. Inversions are nearly always used to accommodate a stepwise bass line, but the reof motion stays the same even ifthe Aass motion changes. When the 3rd or 7th of cherd is in the bass. however, altered tensions are difficult to use because they sound more dissonant. In most cases. then. inverted chords sound best with chord tones and natural tensions.‘HYBRID CONSTRUCTION ‘We have seen that itis possible to reduce a polychord to ahybrid: Gb can become GUC for amore ambiguous, indefinite sound. - ar Its also possible to create a hybrid voicing from a simple chord symbol if the same effect is desired. A hybrid structure always creates a sense of harmonic instability, but its effect may be tither dissonant or bland, depending on the intervals within the voicing. It can be ‘sed in isolated situations, in combination with other compound chord symbols, or in a series of hybrids to create a very ambiguous sounding progression. A hybrid structure is made up of notes from the chord scale of the moment and retains the original root, but is indefinite sounding because it omits the 3rd of the chord. These principles are used in the following examples; the second is the same as the first except that some of the original chord symbols are replaced with hybrids. bg) (Tontan) 4. b7) oa (so BEND suv? /11" v ey imaj? 7 re? (re mag? po 4 Bn? ppg #11) ¢-7 709) sbmaj7 ——= = + Tt TF 7 ; | | Ly (85) Fay a7\ P43. De? EB/DbG=7/C Eb-/F Bbmaj7 A 4 oe = = ee a = = aoa | oo [= ] | __ re = 2 ss + jChapter 7 Harmony 4 5A Procedure ‘The procedure for deriving hybrid voicings fram simple chord symbols can be described as follows: 1. Choose potential melody notes to be harmonized with hybrids; these are typically notes of long duration. 2. Analyze the progression to determine the appropriate chord scales. 3, Determine which triads and sevenths chords can be used as upper structures above the root. Melody notes (except approach notes) mast be 1, 3, 5 or 7of the upper structure. a ‘The upper strachre is usually a major or minor triad or 2 major, minor or dominant 7th che b. The upper structure must contain only notes from the chord scale of the moment c. The upper structure should not contain any 3rd above the original root, d. The upper structure should not contain the original root itself. e. There areno other avoid notes in the chord scale. {. Relative dissonance or blandness is controlled by the intervals between the root and the notes of the upper structure. ‘The procedure given above is followed in the following example: (Dor. (ix0.) (Lydian) wii Tins}? Daa}? Ar asl? baa)? — a —: | Available Triads: 8- G E- Available Sevenths: Gmaj7 iCmaj7 Fg-7 E-7 1 Daa j7 'Chapter. 7 3 Harmony 4 58, If any of the available upper siructure triads or sevenths sound appealing, the progression may be rewntten with compound chord symbols. 7 Dmaj? Gmaj7/A Cmaj7/D biG AIG Dna j7 Dmaj7 The other voicings in the example above could also have taken compound chord mmbois; F*- /D and G/E. This, however. would be unnecessarily complex, since they are exactly the same as Dmaj7 and B-7 respectively. Therefore, compound chord symbols should be used only for specific harmonic techniques. ose8 Chapter 8 Harmony 4 CONSTANT STRUCTURE CHORD PROGRESSIONS ‘A-constant structure chord progression is @ series of chords, all of the same type. rmaj? Bhmaj7 Ebmaj7 Abmaj7 Dbnaj7 Sbnaj7 In the example above, each chord is a major 7th chard. It is therefore a constant Structure progression, and its analysis can be undertaken from two different perspectives. First, itis clearly a fumetional chord progression in the key of F: VImaj7 biImaj7 xrmaj? 1 Dbmaj7 Gbmad Emaj7 However, since all the chords are of the same type, and the rot motion is a consistent interval of descending perfect Sth's, the listener may hear the pattem of motion more clearly than harmonic fasction ina key. The description of pattems and sequences in constant structure progressions is called non-functional analysis. ‘The following example can be analyzed both functionally and non-fanctionally: ci brimaj? —-sTmaj7-bVinaj7? tVmaj7 brimaj7 mad? Dbmaj7 Cmaj7 Abmaj7 9 fmaj7 —-Dbmaj7 cmaj7 —— t : : = SSChapter 8 Harmony 4 87 A non-functional analysis of the previous example would include the following considerations: 1. It is a constant structure major seventh chard progression. .. The roct motion is in descending thirds. . The root motian spelis a D®maj7 chard, which is the cadential chord in the progression. : 4. The melody emphasizes common tones between chords, creating a smooth, linking quality. 5. The same melody note becomes richer sounding on each chord. It starts as the Sth of Cmaj,7, and becomes the 7th, 9th and #11th on successive chords. Some constant structure progressions are purely non-functional; this means that analysis within a key is difficult, if not impossible, and the real meaning er sound of the music lies in root motion patterns and melodic and rhythmic sequences. (Slow) pconstant St c-7 9 Ss (amos) Gb It ae —— IH RS = f rT Ab:subV7/T Imaj7 (#14). ETAT aAbmaj7 In this example, the first and second measures are almost identical: a melodic and harmonic sequence. The root motion pattern is up a minor third, then down a half-step. The E-7 acts as a pivot chard from non-functional to functional harmony. BES Mag Sa its extant erwtars maori ced, seed 1¢ becernes the relate LT of D. As in the example above, most non-functional progressions involve a statement (measure 1), a repetition (measure 2), and then a variation of some kind (measure 3).Chapter 8 Harmony 4 58 ‘Tunes with constant structure sections nearly always contain familiar functional harmony as well. Constant structure passages usually end with root motion that is +, stepwise or down a perfect Sth. * Constant structure progressions are usually made up of major or minor seventh chords. Other chord types, although possible, are often considered either too unstable or too bland for this kind of harmonic motion. _ Root motion can be either one consistent interval (all Srds or all Sths), or apattern of two or possibly three intervals (up a 3rd, then down a Sth). In the following example, the final interval is stepwise in order to return to EP: Ebmaj7 Gnaj7 Eme37 || a Dina? Bbmaj7 1}