Harmonic Rhythm
Harmonic Rhythm Harmonic rhythm is the rhythm created by each chord change. The harmony might change with each bar, twice a bar, with each beat, or perhaps every two bars …
Inverted Cadences
Inverted Cadences Standard cadences use root position chords, but sometimes cadences with first inversion chords can be used. These are known as inverted cadences. Inverted cadences are unlikely to appear …
Distant Modulation
Distant Modulation During the Baroque and early Classical periods most modulations would be to the dominant, subdominant or relative key. Modulation to these “close” keys is relatively straightforward, because two …
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 …
Chords (ABRSM Grade 8)
By the time you reach ABRSM Grade 8 Music Theory, the syllabus asks that you understand “all standard diatonic and chromatic chords“. You will need to be able to recognise …
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 …