Understanding Chord Progressions: Beyond the Basic Four Chords

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The foundation of Western music (classical, pop, jazz, film music, etc.) relies on a sophisticated hierarchy of chords that goes far beyond the common four-chord progressions. Let's explore how these chord relationships work and how you can use them creatively in your music.

Understanding Roman Numerals in Music

In any major key, chords are labeled with Roman numerals to indicate their function.

To determine a chord's roman numeral, first identify the root note of the chord and its position within the key's scale. For example, in C major, the scale degrees are:

- C is scale degree 1 (I)

- D is scale degree 2 (ii)

- E is scale degree 3 (iii)

- F is scale degree 4 (IV)

- G is scale degree 5 (V)

- A is scale degree 6 (vi)

- B is scale degree 7 (vii°)

So, a I chord in the Key of C Major is a roman numeral I; D minor chord is a ii (lowercase because it's minor); E minor chord is iii, and so on.

Chord Quality Rules

The quality of each chord follows a consistent pattern in major keys:

- I, IV, and V are major chords (uppercase numerals)

- ii, iii, and vi are minor chords (lowercase numerals)

- vii° is diminished (lowercase with circle)

This pattern remains the same regardless of which major key you're in. For instance, in G major:

- G major is I

- A minor is ii

- B minor is iii

- C major is IV

- D major is V

- E minor is vi

- F# diminished is vii°

Remember that the same chord can have different functions depending on the key. A C major chord is I in C major but IV in G major.

The Chord Hierarchy

The I chord serves as home base, with the strongest position in the hierarchy. It can be preceded or followed by any other chord in the key.

V and vii° chords have a strong pull toward the I chord, but the V can also sometimes move to the vi. The V and vii° can also lead to each other.

IV and ii chords typically lead to V or vii°. They can also resolve directly to I. IV can move to ii, but not vice versa

vi can progress to IV/ii, V/vii°, or I

iii can move to vi, IV/ii, or I

Practical Application

Rather than limiting yourself to standard four-chord progressions, you can create more interesting progressions by following these natural chord tendencies shown in the Chord Flow Chart. Just follow the arrows!

For example:

**Sample Progression Path:**

1. Start with I (home base)
2. Move to iii
3. Progress to vi
4. Continue to IV
5. Move to V
6. Resolve back to I

This understanding of chord hierarchy opens up countless possibilities for composition and improvisation while maintaining musical coherence within the Western tradition.

There's a flow chart for MINOR keys, too! You can watch and download the PDF here.

Remember that while these rules form the foundation of Western harmony, they're guidelines rather than strict requirements. Creative music often comes from knowing when to follow or break these conventions.