Chapter 9 - Harmonic Progression and Harmonizing a Melody

Harmonic progression

The process of relating chords within the scale to where they naturally lead

Progression

When the harmonies proceed from a stable beginning (tonic function), move forward through progressively more active chords (predominant and dominant function), including seventh chords to end (resolve) with stability

Circle progression

The movement of chords where the root of each chord is a diatonic fifth above the next chord

Progression by thirds

The movement of chords where the root of each chord is either up or down by a third

Progression by seconds

The movement of chords where the root of each chord is either up or down to the next note in the scale

RETROgression

When harmonies move backwards from this concept T-D-S-T (a root position V to a root position IV)

Harmonic rhythm

The rate at which harmony changes

the more a chord is inverted

the weaker its function or the more it functions like another chord.

Types of second inversion chords

• Passing

• Pedal

• Arpeggiated

• Cadential

Rules for RETROgression

• Don’t follow V with IV, ii6 or ii6/5.

• Don’t follow vi (VI) with I (i) because the tonic chord is more stable, less tense than IV.

• Don’t follow ii with IV. They’re not equal in tension.