View Unit : Practical Harmony Application

Identify the (primary) major triads in the keys of A, C, E and G major and create two, 8 bar, “three chord trick” (I IV V) progressions using chords from a single major key.

Assign titles to each chord in relation to its position within the home scale, for example the A major triad may be designated ‘chord 1 (I)’ in the key of A major.

Develop a simple eight bar rhythmic pattern for each of the progressions created in 1.1 using a 4/4 meter.

Expand the progressions created in 1.1 to change the mood of the sequence through:

a.the introduction of secondary chords (minor triads) relative to each key;

b. varying the rhythmic pattern.

Describe how the changes to the harmony and to the rhythm affect the mood and feel of each progression.

Compose a melody or bass line for one of the progressions created in 1.3 using notes from the major pentatonic or minor pentatonic scale relevant to the key of the progression.

Use the same process to create a melody or bass line for one of the progressions created in 1.4.

State the reasons for choosing the melody/bass line notes in each, relative to their relationship with the chord progression.

Identify successes and areas requiring further development in relation to practical harmony application.