Other Chromatic Chords
Other Chromatic Chords For each degree of the scale, it is possible to build a major, minor, diminished and augmented triad. So, for example in C major, it is possible …
Secondary Dominants
Any major or minor chord can be approached by its own temporary dominant or dominant 7th chord, which is called a “secondary dominant”. The most frequently seen secondary dominant is …
Augmented 6th Chords
Augmented 6th Chords There are three chromatic chords which contain the interval of an augmented 6th; the Italian 6th, French 6th and German 6th, collectively known as the “augmented 6th …
Borrowed Chords and Parallel Keys
Parallel Keys Parallel keys are the major and minor using the same tonic, for example C major and C minor are parallel keys. Sometimes parallel keys use enharmonic equivalents, to …
Chromatic Chords
Chromatic Chords Diatonic chords are the ones which are built from the scale of the prevailing key. Chromatic chords use one or more notes which do not exist in the …
Extended Dominant Chords
Extended Dominants (V9, V11, V13) The dominant chord can be extended further than the usual addition of a 7th (V7). By continuing to add the note a third higher each …
Harmonic Sequence with Suspensions
Here is a harmonic sequence which comprises a progression of 5ths, each with added 7th chords. It uses a series of suspensions which allow each chord to move smoothly into …
Harmonic Sequence
A harmonic sequence is a short progression of chords which is then repeated, using different chords which are the same distance apart. For example, in the progression of chords I-IV-V-I …
Arpeggio 6/4 (Alberti Bass)
The arpeggio 6-4 is another one of the few progressions where you can use a second inversion chord. (Other progressions with 6/4 chords that you should already know are the …
Analysing Harmony with Decoration Notes
Chord Notes and Non-Chord Notes When we want to know which chords are being used in a piece of music, it’s important to be able to tell the difference between …