Chord progression

A chord progression (also chord sequence and harmonic progression or sequence), as its name implies, is a series of chords played in an order. Part and parcel of this action is the idea that the chords relate to each other in some way, whether closely or distantly, and they as a whole become an entity in themselves. Chord progressions are central to most modern European-influenced music and create cyclic or sectional musical forms. Compare to a simultaneity succession.

Related Topics:
Chord - Order - Music - Cyclic - Section - Musical form - Simultaneity succession

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A chord change is a movement from one chord to another and may be thought of as either the most basic chord progression or as a portion of longer chord progressions which involve more than two chords (see shift of level). Generally, successive chords in a chord progression share some notes. This provides harmonic continuity within the progression (see voice leading).

Related Topics:
Shift of level - Voice leading

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The most common chords in Western classical and pop music are based on the first, fourth, and fifth scale degrees (tonic, subdominant and dominant); see three chord song, eight bar blues, and twelve bar blues. The chord based on the second scale degree is used in the most common chord progression in Jazz, ii-V-I.

Related Topics:
Classical - Pop - Fourth - Fifth - Scale degree - Tonic - Subdominant - Dominant - Three chord song - Eight bar blues - Twelve bar blues - Jazz

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Chord progressions are usually associated with a scale and the notes of each chord are usually taken from that scale. Melodies and other parts usually comply with the chord changes in that their notes are usually taken from the chord currently playing. Notes which are not taken from the chord are called nonchord tones and usually resolve quickly to a chord tone.

Related Topics:
Scale - Note - Melodies - Nonchord tone

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In music of the common practice period generally only certain chord progressions are used and many of the progressions not used are not traditionally tonal.

Related Topics:
Common practice period - Tonal

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