Popular Music Harmony

Popular Music Harmony
2011
©2011 m.mermikides@surrey.co.uk
The C Major Scale and its Diatonic Harmony
©2010 Mermikides
1. The 7 notes of C Major:
I II III IV V VI VII
4
&4 ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
tone semitone tone tone tone semitone
tone
Major 2nd
Major 3rd
Perfect 4th
Perfect 5th
Major 6th
Major 7th
Octave
2. Triads: Root 3rd & 5th starting from each scale degree:
(These triad types occur in the same order in any major key)
Major Triad: R, 3, 5 Minor Triad: R, b3, 5 Diminished Triad: R, b3, b5
'UK' I ii iii IV V vi viiº

'US' I IIm IIIm IV V VIm VIIº
˙˙
Dm Em F G Am Bdim
˙˙
C
˙˙ ˙˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙ ˙
& ˙˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
˙
Major Diatonic Harmony Practice
m.mermikides@surrey.ac.uk
Reference: The diatonic triads and 7th chords of C Major.

˙˙
Dm Em F G Am Bdim
˙˙
C
˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙ ˙
& ˙˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
˙
I ii7 iii7 IV^7 V7 iv7 viØ

I^7 IIm7 IIIm7 IV^7 V7 VIm7 VIIm7(¨5)
Cmaj7
˙˙ ˙˙
G7 Am7
˙˙ ˙
Bm7b5
˙˙
˙˙
Em7 Fmaj7
˙˙ ˙˙
Dm7
& ˙˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙
˙
1. Find the key (add key signature), notate and analyse the following progression.
GŒ„Š7 E‹7 A‹7 D7
&
E‹7 A‹7 D7 GŒ„Š7
&
CŒ„Š7 D7 E‹7 A‹7
&
CŒ„Š7 D7 GŒ„Š7
&
2
2. Notate and write chord symbols for this progression in a key of your choice
ii7 V7 Imaj7 IVmaj7
&
viiø7 iii7 vi7
&
3. Write chord symbols and analyse with roman numerals the following chords:
### ™ w
™w w w w
w
& w
w w
w w
w w w w
w
### w
w w
w w
w w
& w w
w w w
w
w w
w
4. Write chord symbols and analyse with roman numerals the following chords
(6 chords and secondary dominants are used)
bw
w nw
w bw w
w
&b w w w
w w
w w w
w
bw
w w w w
b
& w bw
w ww
w
nw
w
w w w
b nw bw
w w
w
&b b w
w w w
w w
w
The Cycle of 5ths
©2010 Mermikides
C
F G
Am
Dm Em
Bb D
Gm Bm
Eb Cm
Cycle of F#m A
Fm
5ths
C#m
Ab E
Bbm G#m
D#m
Ebm
Db B
F#
Gb
1. Diatonic Cycle
of 5ths
©2010 Mermikides
Imaj7
I
IVmaj7 V7
IV V
(augmented 4th/
dimished 5th)
Diatonic
Cycle of
ii7
viiø
viiº 5ths ii
iii vi
iii7 vi7
2.Composing with
Diatonic harmony
©2010 Mermikides
Imaj7
I
IVmaj7 V7
IV V
(augmented 4th/
dimished 5th)
Diatonic
Cycle of
ii7
viiø
viiº 5ths ii
iii vi
iii7 vi7
They're are no compositional 'rules'
But here are some effective mechanisms to try
I can jump to any chord ('I' as in 'one' not me)
Any chord can jump to I (or IV or V)
All other motion as indicated (dashed is less common)
End on I
Chords can be in there triadic, 7th or other form (6th, 9th, 13th,
add9 etc.)
3.Secondary
Dominant 7ths
©2010 Mermikides
C7
I7
I!7
G7
C!7
IV!7 V7
F!7 G7
Secondary
Bø Dominants Dm7
ii7
viiø V7/V
V7/iii D7
Em7 Am7
B7
iii7 vi7
V7/vi V7/ii
A7
E7
4.Secondary
Dominant 7ths Paths
©2010 Mermikides
C7
Gm7
I7 v7
I!7
G7
C!7
IV!7 V7
F!7 G7
Secondary
Bø Dominants Dm7
ii7
viiø V7/V
V7/iii D7
Em7 Am7
B7
iii7 vi7
V7/vi V7/ii
A7
E7
The C Natural Minor Scale and its Diatonic Harmony
The 7 notes of the C natural minor scale:
b4 ˙
& b b4 ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
˙
tone semitone tone tone semitone tone tone
Triads: Root 3rd & 5th starting from each scale degree:
The triads in a minor key are:
Minor Triad: R, b3, 5 Diminished Triad: R, b3, b5 Major Triad: R, 3, 5
i iiº III iv v VI VII
Im IIº ÏII IVm Vm ¨VI ¨VII
˙˙
E¨ Fm Gm A¨ B¨
b ˙˙
Cm Ddim
˙˙ ˙˙
& b b ˙˙˙ ˙˙
˙
˙˙
˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
7th Chords: Root 3rd 5th & 7th starting from each scale degree:
The 7th chord types in a natural minor key are:
Major 7 chord: R, 3, 5, 7 Minor 7 chord: R, b3, 5, b7
Dominant 7 chord: R, 3, 5, b7 Minor 7b5 chord: R, b3, b5, b7
(Half diminished)
i7 iiøØ III^7 iv7 v7 VI^7 VII7
Im IIm7(¨5) ÏII^7 IVm7 Vm7 ¨VI^7 ¨VII7
b
Cm7 Dm7b5 E¨maj7 Fm7
˙˙ ˙˙
Gm7
˙˙
A¨maj7 ˙
B¨7
˙˙
˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙
& b b ˙˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙
˙
It is common in a minor key for the V chord to be changed from min7 to dom7.
So here Gm7 would become G7 eg V7 - i or iiø - V7 - i.
Minor Diatonic Harmony Self-test
Reference: The diatonic triads of A natural minor.
'UK' i iiº III iv v VI VII i

'US' Im IIº ÏII IV Vm ¨VIm ¨VII Im
Am Bdim Dm Em F
˙˙
C G Am
˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙
& ˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
˙˙ ˙ ˙
'UK' V viiº
'US' V VIIº
˙
E G©º
Common alterations from Harmonic minor: #˙˙˙ #˙˙˙
Reference: The diatonic 7ths of A minor.

'UK' i7 iiØ IIImaj7 iv7 v7 VI^7 VII7 i7
'US' Im7 IIm7(¨5) ÏII^7 IVm7 Vm7 ¨VI^7 ¨VII7 Im7
Am Bdim C^7 Dm7 Em
˙˙
F
˙˙ ˙˙
G ˙
Am
˙˙
& ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙
˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙
'UK' V7 viiº7
'US' V7 VIIº7
˙
E7 G©º7
#˙˙˙˙
Common alterations from Harmonic minor: #˙˙˙
1. Notate, write chord names and analyse the diatonic triads of
a) sharp minor key of your choice (using a key signature)- indicate the common
alterations of the v and VII chords
&
b) flat key of your choice (using a key signature) - indicate the common
alterations of the v and VII chords
&
2. Notate, write chord names and analyse the diatonic 7th chords of
2
a) sharp key of your choice (using a key signature) - indicate the common
alterations of the v7 and VII7 chords
&
b) flat key of your choice (using a key signature) - indicate the common
alterations of the v7 and VII7 chords
&
3. Notate, write chord names and key signatures for the following progression.
a) Cm: iiº V7 i b) Dm: i iv V7 i
&
c) Em: VI∆7 iiø V7 i7 d) Bm: i7 bVI viiº7 i
&
4. Choose 4 different key signatures.Notate, write chord names and key signatures
for iiø V7 i7
&
&
Borrowing Chords from the Minor Scale-1
In a major key, often chords are borrowd from the 'parallel' minor key. So in the key of C
(top stave) triads from the key of C minor may be used (bottom 2 staves)

˙˙
Dm Em F G Am Bdim
˙˙
C
˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙ ˙
& ˙˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
˙
i iiº III iv v VI VII

Im IIº ÏII IVm Vm ¨VI ¨VII
˙
E¨ Fm Gm A¨ B¨
b˙
Cm Ddim
& b˙˙ b˙˙ b˙ b˙˙˙ b˙˙˙ b ˙˙ b˙˙
˙ ˙ b ˙˙
Common uses
The 'subdominant minor' IVm, iv the bVI bVII I
iv I bVI bVII I
Fm C A¨ B¨ C
˙˙ ˙˙ bœ œ
bœœ n˙˙˙
& ˙˙
b ˙ b œœ
˙
minor key major key minor key major key
The 'Beatles' chord 'Epic'

2
Borrowing Chords from the Minor Scale-2
I ii7 iii7 IV^7 V7 iv7 viØ

I^7 IIm7 IIIm7 IV^7 V7 VIm7 VIIm7(¨5)
Cmaj7
˙˙ ˙˙
G7 ˙˙
Am7 ˙
˙˙
Bm7b5
˙˙
Em7 Fmaj7
˙˙ ˙˙
Dm7
& ˙˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙
˙
i7 iiøØ7 III^7 iv7 v7 VI^7 VII7

Im IIm7(¨5) ÏII^7 IVm7 Vm7 ¨VI^7 ¨VII7
Cm7 Dm7b5 E¨maj7 Fm7
b˙
Gm7
˙ b˙˙
A¨maj7 bB¨7
˙˙
& bb˙˙˙ b˙˙˙ b˙˙˙ b ˙˙˙ b˙˙˙ b ˙˙ b˙˙
˙ ˙ b˙
Common 7th chord uses
The 'subdominant minor7' The bIIImaj7 and bVImaj7

IVm7, iv7
iv7 Imaj7 Imaj7 bIIImaj7 bVImaj7 V7 Imaj7

Fm7 Cmaj7 Cmaj7 E¨maj7 A¨maj7 G7 Cmaj7
b˙˙ n˙˙ bœœ bœœœ œœ nœœœ bw

w
& ˙˙
b ˙ œ bœ œ w
˙ œ bœ œ w
minor key major key major key
minor key major key
Minor to major ii-V
iiøØ7 V7 I^7
Dm7b5 G7 Cmaj7
& bœœœœ œœœ

œ
˙˙
˙˙
minor key major key
ii - V - I Voice Leading
The 'guide tones' in 7th chords are the 3rd and 7th - determining much of the character of the chord.
In a ii-V-i progression the guide tones moves in a particularly elegant fashion (indicated)
{
Motion of 'guide' tones (3rd and 7th)
D‹7
G7 CŒ„Š7
w w w
& w w w
? w w w
{
A different voicing.
D‹7 G7 CŒ„Š7
& w
w w
w w
w
? w w
w
The motion is similar, but not identical in a 'minor ii-V.' The flat 5 in the ii chord is not
technically a guide tone but is included for context
{
D‹7(b5) G7 C‹7
w w bbw
& w w w
? bw
w w w
{
D‹7(b5) G7 C‹7
& ww w
w bw
bw
? bw
w w w
Chord Directory - 1 m.mermikides@surrey.ac.uk
(Almost) all the chord symbols you'll ever need.

There'll always be more but all 'standard' chords should be derivable from these...
1-note
C pedal [R]
& w
2-note
C5 [R, 5] C(b5) [R,♭5]
& w
w bw
w
3-note (triads)
C [R, 3, 5] C‹ [R, ♭3, 5] C& [R, 3, ♯5] Cº [R, ♭3, ♭5]
& w
w bw
w #w
w bbw
w
w (major, maj)
w (minor, min, -)
w (aug, #5)
w (diminished, dim)
3-note (sus chords)

C(“4) [R, 4, 5] C(“2) [R, 2, 5]
& w
ww (sus) w
ww
4-note (7th chords)

CŒ„Š7 C7 C‹7 C‹7(b5) Cº7
[R, 3, 5, 7] [R, 3, 5, ♭7] [R, ♭3, 5, ♭7] [R, ♭3, ♭5, 7] [R, ♭3, ♭5, ♭♭7]
& w
w
w bw
w
w bbw
w
w bbbw
w
w bb∫w
w
w
w w w w w
C‹(Œ„Š7) [R, b3, 5, 7] CŒ„Š7(b5) [R, 3, ♭5, 7] CŒ„Š7(#5) [R, 3, #5, 7] C7(b5) [R, 3, ♭5, ♭7] C7(#5) [R, 3, #5, ♭7]
& bw
w
w
w bw
w
w
w #w
w
w
w bbw
w
w
w #bw
w
w
w
2
Chord Directory - 2
4-note (6th chords)
C6 C‹6 C(b6) C‹(b6)

[R, 3, 5, 6] [R, ♭3, 5, 6] [R, 3, 5, ♭6] [R, ♭3, 5, ♭6]
& w
ww bw
ww bw
ww bbw
ww
w w w w
4-note (add and sus chords)
C(„ˆˆ9) C‹(„ˆˆ9) C7(“4)

[R, 3, 5, 9] [R, ♭3, 5, 9] [R, 4, 5, ♭7]
& w bw bw
w
ww w
ww ww
w
5-note (9th chords)
CŒ„Š9 [R, 3, 5, 7, 9] C‹9 [R, ♭3, 5, 7, 9] C9 [R, 3, 5, ♭7, 9]
w
w bw
w bw
w
& w
w
w bw
w
w w
w
w
C7(b9) [R, 3, 5, ♭7, ♭9] C7(#9) [R, 3, 5, ♭7, #9] C(“9) [R, 4, 5, ♭7, 9] C(“4b9) [R, 4, 5, ♭7, ♭9]
& bbw
w
w
w b#w
w
w
w bw
w
ww bbw
w
ww
w w w w
C% [R, 3, 5, 6, 9] C‹% [R, ♭3, 5, 6, 9]
ww ww
& w
w
w bw
w
w
3
6-note (11th chords)
Technically 11th chords include a root, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th.
But '11' is also used to mean a 7th chord with an added 11th and no 9th (sometimes called 7add11) -
In addition, C11 is sometimes used as an (incorrect) shorthand for C9sus (R, 4, 5, ♭7, 9, ♭11) which has no 3rd.
So the 'rare' 3rds ar bracketed below.
The only common 'real' 11 chord is a min11 chord. #11 chords, however are often found.
C9(“4)
CŒ„Š11 C11 C‹11 C‹11(b5) Csus11
[R, (3), 5, 7, 9, 11] [R, (3), 5, ♭7, 9, 11] [R, ♭3, 5, ♭7, 9, 11] [R, ♭3, ♭5, ♭7, (9), 11] [R, (4), 5, ♭7, 9, 11]
w
w w w w w
bw w w bw
(a 5-note chord)
& w
w w
w bw
b w bbbw
w w
w
w w
w w
w w
w ww
w
CŒ„Š7(#11) C7(#11) C‹7(#11) C‹(Œ„Š7#11)

[R, 3, 5, 7, 9, #11] [R, ♭3, 5, ♭7, 9, #11] [R, ♭3, 5, 7, 9, #11]
#w b#w bb#w #w
[R, 3, 5, ♭7, 9, #11]
& w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w bw
w
w
w
w w w w
The most common the above are Cm11, Csus11, Cmaj7(#11) and C7(#11) The latter two are often played without 5ths
7-note (13th chords)

13th chords technically contain root, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th and 13th (all 7 notes).
However the 11th, unless on a min13 chord is very rarely intended, the 9th often (but not always) is,
and unless indicated otherwise, as a natural 9th (D on a C13).
Often a 13th chord just implies root, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 13th (ie C7add13) unless other degrees are stated (eg. C7(b9/13).
Some but not all 13th chords are listed below, although you should be able to derive most from those below.
CŒ„Š13 CŒ„Š13(#11) C13 C13(#11)
w #w w w
[R, 3, 5, 7, 9, (11), 13][R, 3, 5, 7, 9, #11, 13] [R, 3, 5, ♭7, 9, (11), 13][R, 3, 5, ♭7, 9, #11, 13]
w
w w
w bw
w b#w
w
& w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
C13(#9) C7[áÆ] C9(b13) C7[äÆ]
C13(b9)
[R, 3, 5, ♭7, ♭9, (11), 13] [R, 3, 5, ♭7, 9, (11), ♭13]
[R, 3, 5, ♭7, ♭9, (11), 13] [R, 3, 5, ♭7, ♭9, (11), ♭13] [R, 3, 5, ♭7, #9, (11), ♭13]
w
w w bw bw bw
&bw
b w
w
w bw
#w
w
w
w bbw
w
w
w
w bw
w
w
w
w b#w
w
w
w
w
w w w w w
7-note (Altered)
[R, 3, ♭5, ♭7, ♭9, #9, ♭13]
bbw
C7½
# ww
&b b w
An altered dominant (alt.) chord includes a root, 3rd and ♭7 and
w
w
w
any number (or all) extensions from an altered scale.
(ie. ♭9,#9, #11/♭5, ♭13)
Passing Diminished Chords
Diminished chords are often used as passing chords between chords I, ii and iii in either direction.
Imaj7 #Iº7 IIm7 #IIº7 IIIm7 bIIIº7 IIm7 bIIº7
CŒ„Š7 C©º7 D‹7 D©º7 E‹7 E¨º7 D‹7 D¨º7
& V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
The #IVº7 chord is often used between chords IV and a 2nd inversion I chord
IVmaj7 #IVº7 I IV7 #IVº7 I7

FŒ„Š7 F©º7 C/G F7 F©º7 C7/G
The bVII7 chord

The bVII7 chord (borrowed from the parallel minor) The bVII7 chord may also be preceded by a related II.
is sometimes used as a resolution to I We could call this the 'Aeolian ii-V' as it is
drawn from the Aeolian mode and is quite common.
Imaj7 bVII7 Imaj7 IVm7 bVII7 Imaj7
CŒ„Š7 B¨7 CŒ„Š7 F‹7 B¨7 CŒ„Š7
The bVII chord from Mixolydian
The bVII major triad, particularly when in proximity to a major IV chord is a very common rock device
and can be seen as being drawn from the parallel mixolydian mode.
bVII IV I IVmaj7 bVIImaj7 I

B¨ F C FŒ„Š7 B¨Œ„Š7 C
The bVII7(#11)
The bVII7 chord when it includes a #11 (and/or 9) is a common jazz device,
not borrowed from parallel minor but Mixolydian b13 (a melodic minor mode)
Imaj7 bVII7(#11) Imaj7 bVII9(#11)

CŒ„Š7 B¨7(#11) CŒ„Š7 B¨9(#11)
Tritone Substitution
m.j.mermikides@surrey.ac.uk
Taking another look at the guide tones in the ii-V-I progression, we notice that the 3rd and 7th of the
dominant chord form a tritone interval.
{
D‹7
G7 CŒ„Š7
w w w
3rd 7th
& w
3rd
w w
7th 3rd 7th
? w w Root
w
Root Root
Since the tritone interval may be inverted. This implies that a dominant chord a tritone away
{
may be substituted with the guide tones maintained (with an enharmonic adjustment).
D‹7 D¨7 CŒ„Š7
w bw w
3rd 3rd
& w w
3rd
w
7th 7th (B-nat = Cflat) 7th
? w bw w
Root Root Root
Notice that the tritone substitution dominant chord now resolves down a semitone rather than a 5th,
When a 'sub V' resolves down a semitone, let's analyse it with a dashed arrow. Similarly, a min7 or
min7(b5) chord going down a semitone to a dominant chord gets a dashed bracket.
IIm7 subV7 Imaj7
CŒ„Š7
& V V V V V V V V
D‹7 D¨7
SubVs may be preceded by min7 chords a 5th above

subV7 Imaj7
& V V V V V V V V
A¨‹7 D¨7 CŒ„Š7
Tritone subs often have 9ths and /or #11 intervals added. The latter sometimes written as b5.
2 And occasionally standard dominants may be preceded by min7 (or min7b5) chords a semitone above.
V7 Imaj7
And substitute secondary dominants may also exist
& V V V V V V V V
A¨‹7(b5) G7 CŒ„Š7
And substitute secondary dominants may also exist, with related IIs of both types.
Imaj7 subV7/IV IVmaj7

subV7/II
& V V V V V V V V
CŒ„Š7 D¨‹7(b5) G¨9(#11) FŒ„Š7 E‹7(b5) E¨9
IIm7 subV7 Imaj7
D‹7 D¨9(#11) CŒ„Š7
& V V V V V V V V
Pick a key and write chord symbols for the following progression
Imaj7 subV7/II IIm7 subV7 Imaj7
& V V V V V V V V
Analyse in the key of F, the following progression and mark with symbols. It's a bit tricky...
A¨‹7 D¨9(#11) C7 A‹7 A¨7
& V V V V V V V V
FŒ„Š7
+
A¨7 F%
& V V V V V V V V
G‹7 G¨7(b5) FŒ„Š7 D¨7(#9) G¨7(#11)
Jazz Analysis - 1 m.mermikides@surrey.ac.uk
Example Analysis
BØ7 E7 A‹7 A7 D‹7 G7 CŒ„Š7
Identify the key (it may not be in the key signature) usually ends on tonic
and write out the diatonic 7th chords for reference if necessary
Label any diationic chords correctly ('US' used here)
VIIm7(b5) VIm7 IIm7 V7 Imaj7
BØ7 E7 A‹7 A7 D‹7 G7 CŒ„Š7
Check for any dominant chords a 5th above diatonic chords

(see 'Secondary Dominant 7ths')
Label any dominant chord a 5th above a diatonic chord.
VIIm7(b5) V7/VI VIm7 V7/II IIm7 V7 Imaj7

BØ7 E7 A‹7 A7 D‹7 G7 CŒ„Š7
Draw Arrows for dominant chords resolving down a 5th

BØ7 E7 A‹7 A7 D‹7 G7 CŒ„Š7
Draw brackets for minor 7 (or half-dim) chords resolving down a 5th to dom.
BØ7 E7 A‹7 A7 D‹7 G7 CŒ„Š7
2 Only fill in what you can from page 1 for now Test 1
GŒ„Š7 G7 CŒ„Š7 E7
A‹7 D7 GŒ„Š7
Test 2
AŒ„Š7 F©7 B‹7 E7
C©‹7(b5) F©7 B‹7 E7 AŒ„Š7
Test 3
FŒ„Š7 E7 A‹7 D7
A¨‹7 D¨7 G‹7 C7 FŒ„Š7
& V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
The 12- Bar Blues (Major)
This is the very basic form based around I7, IV7 and V7. In this case I7 and IV7 are not
considered secondary dominants as they do not have the same tendency to drop down a 5th.
IV7 does not compel a resolution down a 5th and a piece can happily start and end on I7.
Consider these dominant chords as idiomatic substitutions for I and IV (ot Imaj7 and IVmaj7)
Note that the 12 bars are divided into 3 groups of 4 bars and that I, IV and V begin each group.
Basic Form
I7
& 44 V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
'Statement'
IV7 I7
'Restatement'
V7 IV7 I7
& V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V ™™
'Response'
The basic form is often embellished with harmonic inflections, the 'quick change', the #IVº7 and the 'turnaround'.
'quick change'
I7 IV7 I7
The #IVº7 raises the root

of the IV7
#IVº7 I7
IV7
The 'turnaround', the last 2 bars, is a little turn
resolving the harmony back to the beginning of the form.
There are many variations, 4 of them are given below
I7 V7
I7 V7
™™
I7 IV7 I7 V7
V7 IV7 V7
I7 VIm7 IIm7
2 A 'jazz blues' takes the basic 12-bar blues form and embellishes it with secondary dominants.
Bars 9 and 10 are typically IIm7 to V7 rather than V7 to IV7.
Jazz-blues appear in many different forms and a typical example is given below.
Although not written, 7th chords are often extended to 9ths, 11ths and 13ths for added colour
IV7 I7 Vm7 V7/IV

I7
C7 F7
C7 G‹7 C7
IV7 #IVº7 I7 IIIm7(b5) V7/II
F9 F©º7 C7 E‹7(b5) A7
IIm7 V7 I7 VIm7 IIm7 V7
D‹7 G7 C7 A‹7 D‹7 G7
A complex jazz-blues progression is found in Charlie Parker's 'Blues For Alice'

Even though there is much embellishment of harmony, the 3 basic 4-bar divisions are
still in place (analysed below).
A jazz analysis on the remaining chords will be helpful in unravelling its complexity.
I7
FŒ„Š7 E‹7(b5) A7
&b V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
D‹7 G7 C‹7 F7
IV7
B¨7 B¨‹7 E¨7 A‹7 D7 A¨‹7 D¨7
IIm7 V7
&b V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V ™™
G‹7 C7 F6 D7 G‹7 C7
Rhythm Changes
This is the basic form of a rhythm changes. Deviations from this form occur but usually only minimally,
through secondary dominants, passing diminished chords, tritone substitution, and related ii chords,
to the dominants (particularly on the bridge). Maj7 and 6 chords are interchanged.
This is a very important musical form to know by heart and you will recognize
it in tunes such as The Flintstones,I've Got A Rhythm (Gershwin) and Jumpin' at the Woodside (Basie)
A1 Imaj7 V7/II IIm7 V7 IIIm7 V7/II IIm7 V7

CŒ„Š7 A7 D‹7 G7 E‹7 A7 D‹7 G7
& 44 V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
Imaj7 V7/IV IVmaj7 IVm6 IIIm7 V7/II IIm7 V7
CŒ„Š7 C7 FŒ„Š7 F‹6 E‹7 A7 D‹7 G7
Imaj7 V7/II IIm7 V7 IIIm7 V7/II IIm7 V7

A2
CŒ„Š7 A7 D‹7 G7 E‹7 A7 D‹7 G7
Imaj7 V7/IV IVmaj7 IVm6 IIIm7 V7/II IIm7 V7 I6
CŒ„Š7 C7 FŒ„Š7 F‹6 E‹7 A7 D‹7 G7 C6
B
V7/VI V7/II
E7 A7
V7/V V7
D7 G7
Imaj7 V7/II IIm7 V7 IIIm7 V7/II IIm7 V7

A3
CŒ„Š7 A7 D‹7 G7 E‹7 A7 D‹7 G7
Imaj7 V7/IV IVmaj7 IVm6 IIIm7 V7/II IIm7 V7 I6
CŒ„Š7 C7 FŒ„Š7 F‹6 E‹7 A7 D‹7 G7 C6
Note that the A sections are made of I-vi-ii-V implications (bars 1-2, 3-4 and 7-8) and a move to the IV then IVm6
from the parallel minor (bars 5-6). The bridge (B section) is a series of dominant chords descending 5ths before
resolving to the original key (A 'cycle V'). As an exercise, identify with arrows all the resolving dominant chords, and
with brackets, ii-V relationships. Hunt through jazz books to find and analyse rhythm changes. Anthropology,
Oleo and Cotton Tail should get you started, and give you ideas for composition.
Chromatically Embellished Static Harmony
There are harmonic progressions that may be described as a chord with a
chromatically altered scale degree. Below are some common examples
Major Triad with moving 5th (5,+5,6,+5) ©2010 Mermikides
I I+ I6 I+
C C& C6 C&
& w
w #w
w nw
ww #w
w
w w w w
Minor Triad with moving 5th (5,+5,6,+5)
Im Im+ Im6 Im+
C‹ C‹& C‹6
b
C‹&
&b b w
w #w
w nw
w #w
w
w w w w
Major Triad with moving Root/7th (R,7,b7,6)
I Imaj7 I7 I6 IV
OR
C CŒ„Š7 C7 C6 F
& w
w
w w
w
w bw
w
w ˙˙˙ ˙˙
w w w ˙ ˙˙
...similar progression with bass motion
I Imaj7 (3rd inv.) I7 (3rd inv.) VIm7 IV (1st inv.)

OR
C C/B C/B¨ A‹7 F/A
& w
w w
w w ˙˙ ˙˙
w w bw
w ˙˙ ˙˙
Minor Triad with moving Root/7th (R,7,b7,6)
Im Im(maj7) Im7 Im6 OR IV9

C‹ C‹(Œ„Š7) C‹7 F9
b
C‹6
&b b w
w
w
nw
w
w
bw
w
w n˙˙˙ ˙˙˙˙
w w w ˙ ˙
...similar progression with bass motion
Im Im(maj7) (3rd inv.) Im7 (3rd Inv.) VIm7(b5) IV9 (1st inv.)
A‹7(b5) OR IV9
C‹/B¨ C‹/A
C‹ C‹/B F9/A
b
&b b w
w w w ˙˙ ˙˙˙
w nw
w bw
w n ˙˙ n ˙˙
The IV-I and cycles
Much of the course material has focused on the V-I resolution, which is a fundamental component
of tonal harmony. However in rock, pop, folk and modal music the IV-I is an equally important
resolution. In classical music a IV-I resolution may be called a plagal cadence (The 'a-men' of a hymn)
{
Here's one of many possible voicings
w
F C
w
& w
w w
w
? w w
The IV-I appears very often in rock and pop tunes, perhaps as frequently as the V-I.
Often IV is interjected between V and I in a resolution.
V IV I
& V V V V V V V V V V V V
G F C
In rock, blues and pops major triads are often extended to dominant 7 chords (even if they are non-diatonic)
The V7-IV7-I7 is found in the last 4 bars of a basic blues form.
V7 IV7 I7
G7 F7 C7
The IV-I also forms part of one of the most common chord sequences in rock and pop music:
The I-V-vi-IV progression. See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pidokakU4I
I V VIm IV
& ™™ V V V V V V V V ™™
C G A‹ F
2
The IV-I resolution may be extended backwards by one step.
This is a very common rock sequence, which involves major triads gong down in 4ths.
The I, IV and bVII all appear in the mixolydian mode, which is implied by the sequence.
bVII IV I
& V V V V V V V V
B¨ (down 4th) F (down 4th) C
In the bridge of a rhythm section for example, a series of dominant chords

can be linked together, with each resolving down a 5th until they arrive at the I chord.
A series of 4th-descending major triads may also be linked together.
In the following sequence this pattern of major triads means that the first three chords are
derived from the (C) natural minor scale, while the last 2 are from the major key.
This exact sequence is used, in the key of E, in Jimi Hendrix's Hey Joe.
Because a minor pentatonic scale can be played over both a minor and major key, it can be
used over this entire sequence.
Minor
Mixolydian
Major
bVI bIII bVII IV I
A¨ E¨ B¨ F C
(down 4th) (down 4th) (down 4th) (down 4th)

The Derivation of Modes
©2010 Mermikides
The major scale has a particular pattern of tones and semitones.

I II III IV V VI VII
4
&4 ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
tone semitone tone tone tone semitone
tone
Since these intervals are not regular, we get a different pattern, and set of scale degrees
depending from which of the 7 notes we start with. Each of these 7 starting points
gives a 'mode' of the major scale and each has its own distinct and beautiful character,
harmonic language and repertoire.
1. IONIAN
Mode 1: Starting on the 1st degree: Ionian. In this case:
C Ionian (C, D, E, F, G, A, B) with degrees (R, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Identical, of course, to the major scale.
& ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
tone semitone
2. DORIAN
Mode 2: Starting on the 2nd degree: Dorian. In this case:
D Dorian (D, E, F, G, A, B, C) with degrees (R, 2, b3, 4, 5, 6, b7)
Natural minor with a 'sweet' and 'funky' major 6th.
˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
& ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
tone semitone
3. PHRYGIAN
Mode 3: Starting on the 3rd degree: Phrygian. In this case:
E Phrygian (E, F, G, A, B, C, D) with degrees (R, b2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7)
Natural minor with a 'sinister' and 'moorish' minor 2nd.
˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
& ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
semitone tone
2
4. LYDIAN
Mode 4: Starting on the 4th degree: Lydian. In this case:
F Lydian (F, G, A, B, C, D, E) with degrees (R, 2, 3, #4, 5, 6, 7)
Major with a 'bright' and 'magical' raised (augmented) 4th.
˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
& ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
tone
semitone
5. MIXOLYDIAN
Mode 5: Starting on the 5th degree: Mixolydian. In this case:
G Mixolydian (G, A, B, C, D, E, F) with degrees (R, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, b7)
Major with a 'bluesy' and 'majestic' flattened 7th.
˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
& ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
tone
semitone
6. AEOLIAN
Mode 6: Starting on the 6th degree: Aeolian. In this case:
A Aeolian (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) with degrees (R, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7)
Just like natural minor but without the alteration of the 6th and 7th
degrees as found in typical tonal harmony.
Aeolian is a 'bleak' and 'sorrowful' mode.
˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
˙ ˙ ˙
& ˙
tone semitone
7. LOCRIAN
Mode 7: Starting on the 7th degree: Locrian. In this case:

B Aeolian (B, C, D, E, F, G, A) with degrees (R, b2, b3, 4, b5, b6, b7)
Phrygian with a flattened 5th.
Locrian's diminished quality is 'demonic' and 'twisted'.
˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
˙ ˙ ˙
& ˙
semitone tone
Writing Modal Chord Progressions 3
Since 7 modes are derived from one scale, they all share the same notes,
and diatonic chords. How then can we make, for example D Dorian sound different
to E Phrygian or F Lydian? Here are 5 methods to help write effective chord progressions.
You don't need to use them all, but they are excellent principles.
1. Return to Root Chord often
Use the 'root chord' regularly e.g. A minor or Aminor 7 in A Aeolian.
This should occur on strong beats and bars (Every downbeat, or on every 2 or 4 bars for example)
A aeolian: Root chord appears on the downbeat every 2 bars, solidifying mode.
& ™™ V V V V ™™
A‹ D‹ FŒ„Š7 E‹7 A‹7 G F G
V V V V V V V V V V V V
2. Use a Pedal Tone
By keeping the root of the mode constantly below diatonic chords, the mode is clearly established.
F Lydian: Root of mode is kept as a pedal tone below diatonic chords, solidifying mode.
& ™™ V V V V ™™
FŒ„Š7 G/F A‹7/F G/F FŒ„Š7 G/F A‹7/F E‹7/F
3. Static root chord with modal bass line
By keeping the root of the mode constant above a modal bassline, the mode is clearly established.
G mixolydian: Root chord of G is kept constant while the bass line outlines important notes of the mode.
& ™™ V V V V ™™
G G/F G/E G/F G G/F G/E G/C G/F
4. Non-triadic harmony
To avoid tonal references, chords can be constructed in 2nd, 4ths, 5ths and 7ths
(and combinations there of) rather than just 3rds
D Dorian: These chords are built in 4ths creating a more 'open'
E‹11
& ™™ ˙˙˙ ™™
D‹11 E‹11 CŒ„Š11
˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙
˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙
5. Character
Discover the 'character' chords of the mode - the chords that best describe the
mode and show its unique identity - and use them. The melody should also contain
the character notes of each mode, and return to the root often.
The character notes and chords are described for 5 very useful modes below.
4 Dorian
Let's look at the dorian mode, and choose A dorian so we can easily see its relationship
to A natural minor. Since A dorian is derived from G major (the 2nd mode of G major) we'll use
one sharp in the key signature. However A (and not G) should be considered the root, and we'll work out all
scale degrees and chords with A as the root. The scale degrees are (R,2,b3,4,5,6,b7)
Ä Ä
A Dorian
#
& ˙ ( #) ˙ ˙ ˙
˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
Root Maj2 Min3 P4 P5 Maj6 Min7 Octave
Note that Dorian is different from natural minor in that it has a major 6th (not minor 6th) - in this case F# not F
This is its character note. In fact it is the presence of both a minor 3rd and major 6th that gives much of Dorian's vibe.
Here are the triads of A Dorian , together with a ('US') roman numeral analysis.
Chords containing the character major 6th (F#) are underlined. The IIm and IV are the most common
dorian modal chords (the VIº ir unstable and not commonly found)
A Dorian A‹ C E‹ F©º G
#
B‹ D
˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ w
w
& ˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ w
˙˙ ˙ ˙
Im IIm bIII IV Vm VIº bVII
And here are the 7th chords with roman numeral analysis. A very common and effective
Dorian chord is the IV7, as it contains both the minor 3rd and major 6th of the mode.
Of the seventh chords IIm7, IV7 are the most often used to describe Dorian modality, but most of
the other diatonic chords may be found in progressions. In addition the Im6 is chord is often used.
A DorianA‹7 CŒ„Š7 E‹7 F©‹7(b5) GŒ„Š7

# w
B‹7 D7
˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ w
w
& ˙˙ ˙˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ w
˙˙ ˙
Im7 IIm7 bIIImaj7 IV7 Vm7 VIø7 bVIImaj7
There are may examples of the Dorian mode in popular music here are a few:
So What - Miles Davis (alternates between D Dorian and Eb Dorian)

Scarborough Fair and Drunken Sailor traditional songs,
Pink Floyd 'Another Brick in the Wall' ( D Dorian:Dm7, F, C, G Im7, bIII, bVII, IV)
The classic arpeggio of 'Sine On You Crazy Diamond' (G dorian.
and most of the 'Dark Side of the Moon' album (E Dorian: Em (or Emadd9,Em7) to A7-Im to IV7)
The opening riff of Lenny Kravitz' 'Always On the Run' (E dorian)
Beatles - Eleanor Rigby (Verse melody in E dorian)
Joe Satriani - 'Ice 9' opening melody (C# dorian)
Loads of funk tunes: eg 'Brick House' - Commodores 'Le Freak' Chic
Moondance - Van Morrison. The verses are Am Bm/A C/A Bm/A
Oye Como Va - Santana (Am D7 -Im IV7)
Phrygian 5
Now Let's look at the 3rd mode, the phrygian mode, and choose A phrygian so we can easily see its relationship
to A. Since this is derived from F major (the 3rd mode of F major) we'll use one flat in the key
signature. However A (and not F) should be considered the root, and we'll work out all
scale degrees and chords with F as the root. The scale degrees are (R,b2,b3,4,5,b6,b7)
Ä
A Phrygian
&b ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
˙ ( b)˙ ˙
Root Min2 Min3 P4 P5 Min6 Min7 Octave
Note that Phrygian is different from natural minor in that it has a minor 2nd (not major 2nd) - in this case Bb not B
This is the character note of Phrygian which gives it its unique 'flamenco' quality.
Here are the triads of A Phrygian , together with a ('US') roman numeral analysis.
Chords containing the character minor 2nd (Bb) are underlined. The bIIm and bVIIm are the most common
phrygian modal triads (the Vº if unstable and not commonly used)
A Phrygian A‹ C F G‹
B¨ D‹ Eº
˙˙ w
&b ˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙
˙
˙˙
˙ ˙ w
w
˙˙ ˙ ˙
Im bII bIII IVm Vº bVI bVIIm
Here are the seventh chords of A phrygian with roman numeral analysis.
Of the seventh chords bIImaj7 and bVIIm7 are the most often used to describe Phrygian modality, but most of
the other diatonic chords may be found in progressions. In additional the Im(addb9) chord is also used.
Also note that 'power chords' (chords with just roots and fifths) are found in Phrygian (and other modal) contexts.
A Phrygian
C7 E‹7(b5) FŒ„Š7 G‹7
w
A‹7 B¨Œ„Š7 D‹7
˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ w
& b ˙˙ ˙˙
˙˙
˙˙
˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ w
w
˙˙
Im7 bIImaj7 bIII7 IVm7 Vm7(b5) VIø7 bVIIm7
There are may examples of the Phrygian mode in popular music, particularly when 'spanish' and
sinister atmospheres are required. Here are a few:
White Rabbit - Jefferson Airplane. (F#5 and G5 and the notes from F# phrygian are used)
Symphony of Destruction - Megadeth (the opening riff uses E5, F5 and G5 from E Phrygian)
The God That Failed - Metallica (Eb5, Fb5, Gb5, Bb5 from Eb Phrygian)
War - Joe Satriani (E5 and Fmaj7(#11) from E phrygian)

6 Lydian
The 4th mode of the major scale, the Lydian mode, is often found in film soundtracks for its 'floating' and
'magical' quality. The lydian mode can be derived from C major from F to F.
If we calculate Lydian with a root of C,we can easily see how it compares to a major scale. In this case
we get an F# instead of an F. Lydian is a major scale with a raised (augmented) 4th. (R, 2, 3, #4, 5, 6, 7)
Ä
C Lydian
# ˙
& ˙ ˙ ˙
˙ ˙ ˙ ( #) ˙
Root Maj2 Maj3 #4 P5 Maj6 Maj7 Octave
Note that Lydian is different from major in that it has an augmented 4th (not perfect 4th) - in this case F# not F
This is the character note of Lydian which gives it its unique 'magical' quality.
Here are the triads of C Lydian , together with a ('US') roman numeral analysis.
Chords containing the character augmented 4th (F#) are underlined.
The II and VIIm are the most common
lydian modal triads (the #IVº if unstable and not commonly used)
C Lydian E‹ G A‹ B‹
# w
C D F©
˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ w
w
& ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
˙ ˙
I II IIIm #IVº V VIm VIIm
Here are the seventh chords of C lydian with roman numeral analysis.
Of the seventh chords II7 (often in 3rd inv.), Vmaj7 and VIIm7 are the most often used to describe Lydian modality,
but most of the other diatonic chords may be found in progressions. In addition the Imaj7(#11) chord is also used.
C Lydian
w
A‹7 B‹7
˙˙
E‹7 GŒ„Š7
# ˙˙ w
CŒ„Š7 D7 F©‹7(b5)
˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ w
& ˙˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ w
˙
Imaj7 II7 IIIm7 IVm7 Vm7(b5) VIm7 bVIIm7
There are many examples of the Lydian mode in popular and film music, particularly when a floating and
magical atmospheres are required. Here are a few moments from pop songs:
Sara - Fleetwood Mac. (Opens with F, G/F and Am/F all from F Lydian)
Man on the Moon - REM (the intro and verses use C major to Dadd11 from C Lydian)
The Simpsons theme - Danny Elfman (One of the most famous lydian melodies of all time in C Lydian-
In fact some of the harmonic material implies Lydian dominant - a mode of melodic minor)
The Riddle - Steve Vai (Open in E Lydian with an A# (sharpened 4th as the opening melody note)
Other examples include Blue Jay Way - The Beatles, Every Little Thing She Does is Magic - The Police,
All I need - Radiohead (C Lydian) The verses of Tonight, Tonight - Smashing Pumpkins.
Mixolydian 7
The 5th mode of the major scale, the mixolydian mode, is often found in rock and blues.
It is also found in superficially 'eastern' influenced pop music due to its similarity with some Ragas.
The mixolydian mode can be derived from C major from G to G.
If we work out a mixolydian scale with a root of C,we can easily see how it compares to a major scale. In this case
we get a B-flat instead of a B, so mixolydian is a major scale with a minot (flattened) 7th. (R, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, b7)
C Mixoydian
Ä
&b ˙ ˙ ( b) ˙ ˙
˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
Root Maj2 Maj3 P4 P5 Maj6 Min7 Octave
So Mixoydian is different from major in that it has a minor (not major) 7th - in this case B-flat not B
This is the character note of mixoydian which gives it its 'dominant' quality. In fact it is the combination of the major
3rd and minor 7th that sets it apart from all the other modes of the major scale.
Here are the triads of C Mixolydian , together with a ('US') roman numeral analysis.
Chords containing the character minor 7th (Bb) are underlined.
The Vm and particularly the bVII are the most common mixolydian modal triads
(the IIIº if unstable and not commonly used)
C Mixolydian
C D‹ Eº F G‹ A‹ B¨
˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ w
w
& b ˙˙ ˙˙
˙
˙˙
˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ w
˙
I II IIIº IV Vm VI bVII
Here are the seventh chords of C mixolydian with roman numeral analysis.
Of the seventh chords I7 , Vm7 and bVIImaj7 are the most often used to describe mixoydian modality,
but most of the other diatonic chords may be found in progressions, particular the IV chord.
bVII/IV/I, for example, is a common mixolydian progression.
C Mixolydian
˙˙ w
C7 D‹7 E‹7(b5) FŒ„Š7 G‹7 A‹7 B¨Œ„Š7
˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ w
w
& b ˙˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ w
˙
I7 IIm7 IIIø IVmaj7 Vm7 VIm7 bVIImaj7
There are countless examples of the mixolydian mode in popular music - particularly in the harmony
of a track (even if melodies and solos are in minor pentationic) The bVII/IV/I sequence can be found
in everything from AC/DC to Zappa.
More 'pure' examples of mixolydian (when harmony and melody are both mixolydian) include:
Norwegian Wood - Beatles. (E Mixolydian)
Sweet Child of Mine - Guns and Roses and Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd
(D, Cadd9, G D in verses and the notes of guitar intro are all from D mixolydian)
Champagne Supernova - Oasis (A, A/G, A/F# and A/E - derived from A mixolydian)
Other examples include

Led Boots - Jeff Beck,
Within You or Without You - Beatles,
8
Aeolian
The 6th mode of the major scale, the aeolian mode, is a common mode in rock and pop music when a
mournful emotion is required.
The aeolian mode can be derived from C major from A to A which gives us the following
scale degrees. (R, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7)
Ä Ä
A Aeolian
& ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
˙ ˙ ˙ ˙
Root Maj2 Min3 P4 P5 Min6 Min7 Octave
You'll notice that the aeolian mode is identical to the natural minor scale.
However in a minor key, the 7th note of the scale is often changed to a leading tone (harmonic minor)
which allows for V7 chord for example. The 6th degree is also sometimes changed, as in melodic minor.
However the aeolian mode has a fixed minor 6th and minor 7th which gives it its particular character.
Here are the triads of A Aeolian , together with a ('US') roman numeral analysis.
Chords containing the character minor 6th (F) - distinguishing it from Dorian - are underlined -
the IIº (rarely used), IVm, VI. The Vm and bVII which contain the character minor 7th (G) are also underlined.
A Aeolian
A‹ Bº C D‹ E‹ F G
˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ w
w
& ˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ w
˙˙ ˙ ˙
I IIº III IVm Vm VI bVII
Here are the seventh chords of A aeolian with roman numeral analysis.
All of these contain the minor 6th and minor 7th, and they are all used in aeolian progressions -although the
IIm7(b5) is rare.
A Aeolian
A‹7 B‹7(b5) CŒ„Š7 D‹7 E‹7 FŒ„Š7 G7
˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ w
w
& ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ w
w
˙˙ ˙˙ ˙˙
Im7 IIm7(b5) bIIImaj7 IVm7 Vm7 bVImaj7 bVII7
There are many examples of the Aeolian mode in popular music - the Im/bVII/bVI/bVII sequence is common,
as well as peices built around Im, IVm and Vm.
Here are a few examples of the Aeolian mode in popular music
The X-Files Theme - melody in A Aeolian.
All Along the Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix

(C#m - Bm - A all from C# Aeolian - although the guitar is tuned down a semitone)
Ain't No Sunshine- Bill Withers is built around Am7, Dm7 and Em7 (all from A Aeolian)
Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin) outro solo has the repeated chords Am G F G from A Aeolian.
The Sound of Silence (Simon and Garfunkel) is in Eb Aeolian. (with chords Im bVII bVII and III)
Pentatonic Scales ©2010 Mermikides
Pentatonics are hugely important scales in a wide range of musical styles.
There are many 5 note scales in use, but the two most common are the
major pentatonic and minor pentatonic and are shown below.
MAJOR PENTATONIC
C major pentatonic (C D E G A) (R,2,3,5,6)
& w w w w w
Root Maj 2nd Maj 3rd Perfect 5th Maj 6th
The major pentatonic is like a major scale but without the 4th and 7th.
Note that the omitted 4th and 7th scale degrees are the ones with semitone relationships against a tonic triad,
and the source of the most harmonic motion in the major scale. With the 4th and 7th omitted, the major pentatonic
is a very neutral, singable and familiar scale.
The major pentatonic has 5 modes, the most common starts on the last note (the A here) and is called
the minor pentatonic
So the notes of C major pentatonic (C D E G A) are the same as A minor pentatonic (A C D E G)
MINOR PENTATONIC
A major pentatonic (A C D E G) (R,2,3,5,6)
w w w
& w w
Root Min 3rd Perfect 4th Perfect 5th Min 7th
The minor pentatonic is like a natural minor (aeolian) but without the 2nd or 6th (which have
semitone relationships against a tonic minor triad) With the 2nd and 6th omitted, the minor pentatonic
is an extremely useful, effective and commonly used scale.
Comparing Major and Minor Pentatonic

It is useful to compare major and minor pentatonic scales in parallel -
here is C major pentatonic side by side with C minor pentatonic.
C major pentatonic C minor pentatonic
& œ œ œ œ œ
œ bœ œ œ bœ
R 2 3 5 6 R b3 4 5 b7
2
PENTATONIC SCALES AND THE MODES
The major scale has 7 modes, 3 major (ionian, lydian, mixolydian) 3 minor (dorian, phrygian and aeolian)
and 1 dimished (locrian). Interestingly the 3 major modes all contain the major pentatonic, and
only differ in terms of there 4th and 7th degrees. Similarly, the 3 minor modes all have the minor pentatonic
in common, with their 2nd and 6th degrees differing.
C major pentatonic
& œ œ œ œ
œ
R 2 3 5 6
Add 4th and 7th
(Perfect 4th, Major 7th) (Augmented 4th, Major 7th) (Perfect 4th, Minor 7th)
C Ionian C Lydian C Mixolydian
& œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ bœ
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ #œ œ œ œ œ
R 2 3 4 5 6 7 R 2 3 #4 5 6 7 R 2 3 4 5 6 b7
C minor pentatonic
& œ œ bœ
œ bœ
R b3 4 5 b7
Add 2nd and 6th
(major 2nd, major 6th) (minor 2nd, minor 6th) (major 2nd, minor 6th)
C Dorian C Phrygian C Aeolian
& œ œ bœ œ œ œ bœ œ bœ bœ œ œ
bœ bœ
œ œ bœ œ œ
bœ bœ
R 2 b3 4 5 6 b7 R b2 3 4 5 b6 b7 R 2 3 4 5 b6 b7
3
Using Pentatonic Scales on Chords
One approach in using pentatonic scales over a chord sequence, is to use the pentatonic scale
of the key over all the progression. For example if the sequence is in G major,
then G major pentatonic may be used throughout.
G major pentatonic
#
G D E‹ C(„ˆˆ9)
Chords from G major
And minor pentatonic may be used over a chord progression from a minor key.
B minor pentatonic
#
B‹(„ˆˆ9) A G D/F© E‹ B‹
&#V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
Chords from B minor
It is also common for minor pentatonic to be used over a major key (or ambiguous) chord sequence:
E minor pentatonic
E G A C D A E
Chords from E major (and E minor)
Alternatively, a pentatonic scale may be used for each chord, major pentatonic for major chords (including
maj7 and dom7 chords) and minor pentatonic for minor or minor7 chords*.
F maj. pent D min. pent

F maj. pent Ab maj.pent Bb maj.pent A min. pent Bb maj.pent
F7 A¨ B¨ F A‹ D‹ B¨
* The minor pentatonic is sometimes used over dominant chords I7 or V7 chord - e.g. in a G blues
Gminor pent on G7 and D minor pentatonic on D7. It is hardly ever found on the IV7 chord.
4
Major and Minor Blues Hexatonic scale

The major and minor pentatonic scales may be embellished with an added note
(making 6-note - or hexatonic -scales) These added notes gives the 'blues' scale
an idiomatic bluesy quality.
Major Blues
The Major Blues 6-note scale is created by adding a sharpened
2nd (minor 3rd) interval between the 2rd and 3rd degree.
This gives the scale an idiomatic minor 3rd as well as major 3rd.
C Major Blues
& œ #œ œ œ œ
œ
R 2 #2/b3 3 5 6
Minor Blues
On page 1 we created a minor pentatonic scale by starting a major pentatonic

from the last scale degree. We can do the same thing to the mMajor Blues, to
create the minor blues scale. This is a minor pentatonic scale with an
idiomatic raised 4th (flattened 5th).
A Minor Blues
œ œ #œ œ œ
& œ
R b3 4 #4/b5 5 b7
The blues scales are embellished versions of their pentatonic counterpoints creating
an idiomatic bluesy quality. They might be used wherever the pentatonic scale is - as
described on page 3. So for example a progression in B minor can be melodicized with
B minor blues, a G major progression with G major blues and a Dminor7 chord with
D minor blues.
Parallelism
Some harmonic progressions include one chord type (usually a 5, major triad or dom7 chord)
that is moved in a 'block' to create non-diatonic progressions. Often this can be best explained
as the 'block' harmonisation of a scale - often pentatonic -(regardless of diatonicism)
Here are some examples.
MAJOR CHORDS on MINOR PENTATONIC

'Knock on Wood' Floyd/Cropper
˙˙ ™™ ˙˙ ™™ ˙˙ ™™
E G A B D B
˙˙ ™™™ nn œœj œœj ˙˙ ™™

n œœ œœ
˙˙ ™™
####
˙˙ ™ ˙˙ ™™ ‰ nœœœ
˙˙ ™™ ˙™ ˙™
‰ nœœ ‰ œœ ‰ œœœ
#
˙˙ ™™
& nœ œœ nœJ
nœ ˙™ œJ ˙™
Parallel Major chords on an E minor pentatonic scale
POWER CHORDS ON A MINOR BLUES SCALE
'Smoke on the Water' Deep Purple
G5 B¨5 C5 G5 B¨5 D¨5 C5 G5 B¨5 C5 B¨5 G5
b j ‰ œj ‰ œ ‰ j ‰ œj ‰ bœ œ Œ j ‰ œj ‰ œ ‰ œj ‰ j
b
& œœ œ œ œœ œ b œJ œ nœœ œ œ œ œœ ˙˙ ™™
Parallel Power chords (inverted root and 5th) outlining part of a G minor blues scale.
CHROMATIC PARALLEL MAJOR CHORDS

'I'm A Man' Steve Winwood
G F© F E
#### nw w
& nn w w #˙˙˙ n˙
nnn ˙˙˙ w
w
w
nw
w ˙
˙ n˙ w
w
Parallel major chords moving down chromatically
2
DOMINANT CHORDS ON PENTATONIC
'Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band' (Chorus) - Beatles
G7 B¨7 C7 G7 C7
#
& nœ œ Œ bœœ œœ Œ bœ œ Œ nœ œ Œ
œœ œœ
bœ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ
œœ œœ bœ œ n œœ œœ
Parallel dominant 7 chords on part of G minor pentatonic (G, Bb, C).
POWER CHORDS ON CHROMATIC and OTHER SCALES
'Enter Sandman' -Metallica
# E5 F5 E5 G5 E5 F©5 E5 F©5 G5 F©5 E5
& œ œ œ ‰ j
œ œ
n œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ n œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œ œ # œœ œ œœ œ œœ œœ œœ œœ b œ œ n œœ
>
Parallel 5th chords on implied modes. Bars 1-2: phrygian. Bar 3: aeolian mode. Bar 4: locrian/minor blues.
'Them Bones' - Alice in Chains
& b 78 œ œ œ bœ œ œ n œ œ œ œ ‰
D5 E¨5 E5 F5 D5 E¨5 E5 F5
‰
œœ œœ œœ b œœ œœ œœ nn œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ bbœœ œœ œœ nn œœ œœ œœ œœ
œ œ œ bœ œ œ nœ œ œ œ
Parallel 5th chords on D, Eb, E, F chromatic notes.
Six Movable Chord Types: Mermikides
Root note on string 6 (E form):

Major Minor Dominant 7 Minor 7 Major 7 Minor 7b5
1 3 4 2 1 1 1 3 4 1 1 1 1 3 1 2 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 4 2 2 3 4 1
Root note on string 5 (A form):

1 3 3 3 1 3 4 2 1 1 3 1 4 1 1 3 1 2 1 1 3 2 4 1 1 2 3 4
Root note on string 4 (D form):

1 2 4 3 1 3 4 2 1 3 2 4 1 4 2 3 1 3 3 3 1 3 3 3
Variations on the Dominant 7th Chord (C form):

Dominant 7 Dominant 9 Dominant 9 Minor 9 Dominant 7#9 Dominant 7b9
3 2 4 1 2 1 3 4 2 1 3 3 3 2 1 3 4 2 1 3 4 3 1 4 2
Inversions and Basslines
©2011 m.mermikides@surrey.ac.uk
So far we have been looking mainly at root inversion chords, however

inversions are often used to create compelling (often step-wise) bass-lines.
There are countless examples, a representative selection of which are below.
You'll notice that some of these will include, but are not limited to, CESH elements.
1. I to V(1st inversion)
I to V(1st inv) to vi creates a descending bassline:
E.g. Let it be (Beatles) Tears in Heaven (Clapton - in A major) A Day In the Life (G major)
C G/B A‹
& 44 w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w w
Or the same bassline may occur using an inversion of Imaj7

E.g. No Woman No Cry (Bob Marley)
C CŒ„Š7/B A‹
& w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w
w w w
Or a similar concept in minor key:
A‹ E7/G© A‹7/G
w
w w w
& w
w w#w
w
w
nw
w
This mechanism of creating a descending bass line with I(i) to 1st. inv V can be employed in various ways,
common in rock music, sometimes in parallel sequences. For example:
C G/B G/B C C G/B D A/C© G/B C A/C© D E
& ˙˙ ˙ ˙ ˙˙ ˙˙ ˙ ˙˙ ˙ ˙ n ˙˙ ˙ ˙˙ w
w
˙ ˙ ˙ #˙ ˙ #˙
2
2. I to iii (2nd inversion)
Similarly a move from I to a second inversion iii (or III) chord creates a chromatic descent.
7th forms of any of these chords may of course be used. Some examples:
C E‹/B C E/B CŒ„Š7 E7/B
w
& w
w w
w w
w #w
w nw
w
w #w
w
w
w w w w w w
The downward motion may be continued with the vi of IV (1st inv.) Some examples:
C E‹/B A‹ C E7/B A‹ C E/B F/A
& w
w
w w
w w
w
w w
w
w #w
w
w
w
w
w w
w
w #w
w
w
w
w
w
w w w w w w
3. Continuing down.
Once the bass has reached the VI degree through 1. or 2. it may continue downwards with a V,
3rd inversion vi7, 1st inversion iv or appropriate combinations thereof, followed by a cadence.
Here are a few of many possibe sequences
C G/B A‹ G F G C
C E7/B A‹ A‹7/G F F/G C
C E/B F/A F‹/A¨ C/G F‹ C
4. I to ii to 1(1st inv.)
The use of a 1st inversion I chord can create an ascending bass-line of I-ii-I, this can be made more
bluesy with a passing diminished chord.
& ™™ V V V V V V V V ™™ V V V V V V V V
C D‹ C/E D‹ C D‹ D©º7 C/E
This device of inversions and passing diminshed chords can be taken further with a #ivº to I(2nd inv)
& ™™ V V V V ™™
C/G
C D‹ D©º7 C/E F F©º7 G
3
5. i to V(2nd inv.) to 1(1st inv.)
A simple alternating i-V7 pattern can be given a step-wise bass motion through the use of inversions
A‹ E7/B A‹/C E7/B A‹
Using passing diminished chords and a 2nd inversion I chords, an ascending bassline may be achieved.
& ™™ V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V ™™
A‹ E7/B A‹/C C©º7 D‹ D©º7 A‹/E E7
6. Static chords with moving basslines

The use of a continually moving bass line can create interesting progressions with harmonic implications.
Here are some examples
& ™™ V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V ™™
C CŒ„Š7/B C7/B¨ F/A F‹/A¨ C/G G
& ™™ V V V V ™™ ™™ V V V V ™™
A‹ A‹/G A‹/F A‹/E A‹ A‹/G A‹/F© A‹/F
V V V V V V V V
& ™™ V V V V ™™
A‹ A‹/G© A‹/G A‹/F© A‹/F A‹/E E7
A bass-line can outline a mode under a static chord eg:
Mixolydian (Champagne Supernova) Ionian (Older Chests-Damien Rice)
& ™™ V V V V ™™ ™™ V V V V ™™
C C/B¨ C/A C/G C C/E C/F C/G
V V V V V V V V
Major triad with chromatically descending bassline (eg Something - Beatles in A)
C C/B C/B¨ C/A C/A¨ C/G
Putting it all together
From Something-Beatles, note the use of inversions descending bass lines (both diatonic and chromatic)
###
A C©‹/G© F©‹ F©‹/E D G A /G© /G /F© /F /E
Rock and Soul Harmonic Devices
Other than the diatonic, secondary dominant, modal, parallel and other
harmonic functions covered in the first half of this course there are other
common and effective techniques that ‘deviate’ from these theoretical
foundations. Here we look at the II chord, interpolated IV, III, VII and VI
chords, the Vsus9 and bVIIsus9 hybrid chords and sliding chords. Note
that most of this terminology is coined here so don’t expect to hear the terms
elsewhere. However you will find these devices used widely, and regardless
of how they are named (if at all) it is very instructive and useful to understand
and recognize them.
The ‘non-functioning’ II or II7 chord.
Although this may be seen as a V/V or V7/V there are times when it doesn’t
have this function, acting more as a momentary Lydian implication (an
example of modal interchange) – In these cases it is more appropriate to call
it a II (or II7) rather than V/V (or V7/V).
Examples:
You’re all I need to get by – Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell.
A B Dm6 A
A: I II iv6 I
School of Rock This use of II occurs in the following progression.
D E G D
D: I II IV I
Sometime a V/V is resolved – but with an intervening IV chord delaying the

resolution. eg. V/V IV V I. This device of delaying a resolution to V we can call
an interpolated IV for lack of a pre-existing term.
Here’s a real-life example from Beck - We Live Again
!5th resolutions
Bb Gm C Eb F Bb
Bb: I vi V/V IV V I
[---ii V---]
We can think of the C chord as a V/V here, partly because of the preceding ii
chord, and partly because of the eventual resolution to the F. The difference
of this case from the II chord is subtle and a little subjective but it’s
instructive to understand the differentiation.
Resolution through chromatic ascent of III (or III7) and VII (or VII7)
In ‘standard’ diatonic harmony, major or dominant chords built on the 3rd or

7th degree of a major scale III have a secondary dominant function: V7/VI or
V7/III respectively.
!5th :
C E(7) Am
I V/VI vi
!5th :
C B(7) Em
I V/III iii
However there are many cases when these are used as approaches to IV and
I respectively, ascending a semitone, rather than descending a 5th.
"min2nd
C E(7) F
I III(7) IV
"min2nd
C B(7) C
I VII7 I
The III-IV (and III7-IV) resolution actually makes good harmonic sense: If we
take the key of C as an example. The non-diatonic III - or III7 – chord (E or
E7) introduces one non-diatonic note: the G#. This accidental resolves to an
A (the 3rd of the F(IV) chord) rather than the root of the VIm chord in its more
‘functional’ resolution. This resolution of the non-diatonic note has a
satisfying elegance, and is quite common in rock/pop tunes.
A couple of examples:
C E7 F I III IV (Imagine – John Lennon – Just after ‘You may say I’m a
dreamer’) or
G B7 C A7 (Sitting on the Dock of Bay – Otis Redding verse – which also

uses the II7 chord)
The VII-I on the other hand has a more parallel feel, with the 2 non-diatonic
notes (the F# and D# of B in the key of C) both resolving upwards.
The VII/I - in combination with II – appears here:
Bb C A Bb I II VII I (We Live Again - Beck)
The VI chord
The VI chord is a non-diatonic triad that doesn’t always fall into a V/II
function. Since the VI chord isn’t a parallel minor or common modal
‘borrowed’ chord, what can it mean? One possible explanation is that it is
simply the replacement of the expected VI minor chord with a major chord
type. Indeed it seems to be used like a VIminor chord- C A instead of C Am
for example – as if it’s the I major of the relative minor key. Odd I know.
Whatever the explanation, the VI chord has a really distinctive and surprising
sound.
An example in a well-known tune is the ‘whistle section’ of Sitting on the
Dock of Bay – Otis Redding: A looping 4-bar section: 3 bars of G (I), one bar
E (VI).
Softening the V7-I
The V7 has a very implicit function in tonal harmony, the resolution to I is

particularly expected, which is due to:
1) The bass on the 5th degree (which ‘wants’ to resolve down a 5th)
2) The leading tone (7th degree) which ‘wants’ to resolve up.
3) The 4th degree of the scale that ‘wants’ to resolve down.
4) It contains a tritone interval (which ‘wants’ to be somehow resolved)
Sometimes we don’t want all of these devices – they might seem to twee and
obvious when used together. The tritone substitution - for example - drops
the first characteristic, and keeps the other three.
We could soften the cadence by removing the 4th degree (and thus the
tritone) leaving only item 1) and 2). This is a V-I cadence.
On the other hand if we do not include the leading tone (using the root
instead) we also erase the tritone dissonance, and only have items 1) and 3).
This is a Vsus7-I cadence.
Removing the leading tone and the 4th degree – also removes the tritone and
creates the relatively soft Vsus-I.
These degrees of softness of V-I resolution are useful and commonly used.
V7–I subV7 V-I Vsus7–I Vsus – I

Hard cadence ! " Soft cadence
The IV over V bass hybrid chord
There is another common - and very effective - device to create an

alternative cadence.
This involves taking the first item 1) from the list above and merging it with
the softer IV-I (plagal cadence). This involves a IV chord with a V bass. This
device of using a chord with a non-chord tone is known as a hybrid chord –
and there are many beautiful examples.
In this case we are taking the IV chord and putting a V root in the base,
So in the key of C this would be F/G.
The F/G chord (G, F, A, C) can be considered as a Vsus9 (without a 5th).
This idea can expanded for example the IV-I cadence can be elaborated as a
IVmaj7–I – by using the 7th form of the chord. An Fmaj7/G (G F A C E) can
also be considered a Gsus13 (with no 5th) a more ‘open’ and ‘colourful’
sound than Gsus9.
One final example (althought there are many more) is to use a minor iv-I
cadence – that we’ve seen before as a borrowing from the parallel minor, but
with the V degree in the root of the iv chord : Fm/G (G, F, Ab, C) which
creates a Gsus(b9) implication.
This technique is a simple way of creating cadences that have the sense of a
V7-I resolution but with more harmonic sophistication and ‘openness’.
See Blame it on the Boogie as one of many examples where an Ab/Bb

(Bbsus9) chord is used at the end of the verse and a Cbmaj7/Db (Dbsus13) in
the chorus.
Sliding Chords
We’ve looked at parallelism before, where one chord type is moved in a

usually systematic fashion creating moments of non-diatonicism (e.g. a
series of major chords moved in a minor pentatonic scale).
There is a special case of parallelism that is quite short and specific:
When two diatonic chords are the same type and a whole tone apart,
sometimes a chromatic non-diatonic passing chord of the same type can be
interpolated – which we can call a ‘sliding chord’ – underlines below.
E.g.
If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys
G: Bm7 Bbm7 Am7 Gmaj7

IIIm7 bIIIm7 IIm7 Imaj7
Wind Cries Mary – Jimi Hendrix
F: Cadd9 Cbadd9 Bbadd9 Fadd9

Vadd9 bVadd9 IVadd9 Iadd9
Modal Interchange
Here is a quick survey of commonly modes and their characteristic chords

that are often borrowed into parallel keys. They have been divided into minor
and major modes depending on whether the mode has minor or major 3rd.
The most common interchange chords are bold.
Minor Mode Notes with C root Description Character chords

Dorian C, D, Eb, F, G, A, B Natural minor scale IIm, IIm7
(Mode 2 of major) with major 6th IV, IV7
Phrygian C, Db, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb Natural minor scale bII, bIImaj7
(Mode 3 of major) With minor 2nd bVIIm
Aeolian C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb Natural minor scale IVm, IVm7
(Mode 6 of major) (minor 6th & 7th) bVI, bVImaj7
bVII, bVII7
Melodic Minor C, D, Eb, F, G, A, B Natural minor scale Im(maj7)
with major 6th & 7th bIII#5, bIIImaj7(#5)
(Or major with minor IV7(#11)
3rd ) VIIm7(b5)
Harmonic Minor C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B Natural minor scale Im(maj7)

with major 7th V7(b9), V7(b13)
VIIdim7
Major Mode Notes with C root Description Character chords
Lydian C, D, E, F#, G, A, B Major scale with II, II7, Imaj7(#11)
raised (augmented) Vmaj7
(Mode 4 of major) 4th
Mixolydian C, D, E, F, G, A, Bb Major scale with I7
minor 7th Vm, Vm7
(Mode 5 of major) bVII, bVIImaj7
Lydian b7 C, D, E, F#, G, A, Bb Major scale with I7(#11)

(Mode 4 of Melodic raised (augmented) I7 and II7 found
minor) 4th and minor 7th together
Phrygian C, Db, E, F, G, Ab, Bb Phrygian with major I and bII found
Dominant 3rd or together
(Mode 5 of Harmonic Mixolydian b9
minor) Or Major with minor
2nd, 6th and 7th
Harmonic Major C, D, E, F, G, Ab, B Major scale with I(b6), Imaj7(b6)
minor 6th IVm(maj7)
Altered C, Db,Eb,E,Gb,Ab,Bb All degrees flattened I7 (b9/#9/b5/b13)

(Mode 7 of Melodic (major #1 !) I7 alt
Minor)
Upper Structure Major Triads
As we've seen briefly in Rock & Pop Devices, basic triads - when placed over non-chord tones - can create
sophisticated harmonic/modal implications while retaining a sense of simplicity. Here's a roster of
upper structure chords (major, minor and 7th) with their harmonic/modal implications in relation to the
bass note and - where appropriate - the triad. The implications depend very much on context,
remember it is how these devices are heard - not dispassionately analysed - that is important.
These devices are used in a wide range of music from Stevie to Stravinsky and the best way to
learn them is to identify them in music of others and use them in your own writing.
{
These are termed variously as upper structure triads, slash or hybrid chords.
Basic inversions are included from completeness.
C D¨/C D/C
w w #w
& w
w bbw
w w
w
? w w w
Alternative spelling: C Dbmaj7 3rd inv. D7 3rd inversion / Cmaj13(#11)
Intervals from root: (R, 3, 5) (b9, 4, b6) (9, #4, 6)
Modal implication: C Ionian C Phrygian C Lydian
{
E¨/C E/C F/C
bw
w #w
w w
w
& w
b w w
? w w w
Alternative spelling: Cm7 / Eb6 3rd inv. Cmaj7#5 F 2nd inv. Csus6
Intervals from root: (b3, 5, b7) (3, #5, 7) (R, 4, 6)
Modal implication: C Aeolian etc. C Lydian #5 C Ionian
{
G¨/C G/C A¨/C
& bbbw w w
w
w w
w bbw
w
? w w w
Alternative spelling: C7alt C maj9 (no 3rd) Ab 1st inv. Cm(b6)
Intervals from root: (b9, b5, b7) (9, 5, 7) (R, b3, b6)
{
Modal implication: C Altered C Ionian / Lydian C Aeolian etc.
A/C B¨/C B/C
& #w
w bw
w
w
#w
#w
w
w
? w w w
Alternative spelling: C6(b9) / A7#9 4th inv. Csus9 Cm(maj7(#11)) Ab7(#9) no root
Intervals from root: (b9, 3, 6) (9, 4, b7) (b3, #11, 7)
Modal implication: C Major b9 C Mixolydian C Melodic Minor (#11) or
Double Harmonic Minor
©2011 Milton Mermikides
2
Upper Structure Minor Triads
Here is a list of the implications of every minor triad over a fixed root.
{
C‹ D¨‹/C D‹/C
bw
& w
w bbbw
w
w
w
w
w
? w w w
Alternative spelling: Cm Dbm(maj7) 3rd inv. C(b6/b9) Dm7 3rd inv. Csus(69)
Intervals from root: (R, b3, 5) (b9, 3, b6) (9, 4, 6)
Modal implication: C Aeolian etc. C Phrygian Dominant C Ionian / Mixolydian
{
E¨‹/C E‹/C F‹/C
bbbw
w w
w bw
w
& w w w
? w w w
Alternative spelling: Cm7(b5) / Ebm6 3rd inv. Cmaj7 F 2nd inv. / Csus(b6)
Intervals from root: (b3, b5, b7) (3, 5, 7) (R, 4, b6)
Modal implication: C Locrian C Ionian / Lydian C Aeolian etc
{
F©‹/C G‹/C A¨‹/C
& #w bw
w bbbw
w
#ww w w
? w w w
Alternative spelling: C6(b9/b5) C9 (no 3rd) Ab(#9) 4th inv. Cm(maj7)(b6)
Intervals from root: (b9, b5, 6) (9, 5, b7) (b3, b6, 7)
Modal implication: C half/whole diminished C Mixolydian / Aeolian etc. C Harmonic Minor
{
A‹/C B¨‹/C B‹/C
& w
w bbw
w
w
w
#w
w
w
? w w w
Alternative spelling: C6 / Am 1st inv. Csusb9 C(maj9(#11)) no 3rd
Intervals from root: (R, 3, 6) (b9, 4, b7) (9, #11, 7)
Modal implication: C Ionian etc. C Mixolydian(b9) C Lydian
C Phrygian/ Phrygian Dominant

Upper Structure 7th Chords 3
There are dozens of possible seventh chords over non-chord tones, but here are some very effective,
and often used examples
{
E¨Œ„Š7/C E‹7/C E‹7(b5)/C
w w bw
& bbw
w
w w
w
w w
w
w
? w w w
Alternative spelling: Cm9 Cmaj9 C9
Intervals from root: (b3, 5, b7, 9) (9, 3, 5, 7) (9, 3, 5, b7)
Modal implication: C Aeolian etc. C Ionian / Lydian C Mixolydian
{
G¨7/C G‹7/C G‹7(b5)/C GŒ„Š7/C
bw w w #w
& bbbw
w
w bw
w
w bbw
w
w w
w
w
? w w w w
Alternative spelling: C7alt Csus9 Csus(b9) Cmaj9(#11) no 3rd
Intervals from root: (3, b5, b7, b9) (4, 5, b7, 9) (4, 5, b7, b9) (#4, 5, 7, 9)
Modal implication: C Altered C Mixolydian C Mixolydian (b9) C Lydian
C Phrygian
C Phrygian Dominant
{
B¨Œ„Š7/C B¨7/C B¨‹(Œ„Š7)/C B7/C
& w bw w ##w
bw
w
w bw
w
w bb w
w
w w
w
w
? w w w w
Alternative spelling: Csus(9/13) Csus(9/b13) Csus(b9/13) Cdim7(addmaj7)/ B7(b9) 4th inv.
Intervals from root: (4, 6, b7, 9) (4, b6, b7, 9) (4, 6, b7, 9) (b3, b5, 6(bb7), 7)
Modal implication: C Mixolydian C Mixolydian b13 C Mixolydian b9 C Whole/Half Diminished
Enjoy.

Melodic Minor Harmony and Modes
The Jazz Melodic Minor scale is a minor scale with a major 6th and major 7th.
Unlike the melodic minor scale you may already know, the 6th and 7th are not altered
depending on direction. Here is A melodic minor scale with its diatonic 7th chords.
We'll then look at its 7 modes and character chords and their use.
A melodic minor (A, B, C, D, E, F#, G#)
& ˙ ˙ #˙ #w
˙ ˙ ˙
R 2 b3 4 5 6 7
I IIm7 ÏIImaj7(©5) IV7 V7 VIm7(¨5) VIIm7(¨5) VII7alt

*
Am(maj7) Bm7 Cmaj7(©5) D7 E7 F©m7(¨5) G©m7(¨5) or G©7alt
˙ ˙ ˙˙ #˙˙ ˙˙˙˙
& #˙˙ #˙˙˙ #˙˙˙ #˙˙˙ #˙˙˙ #˙˙ #˙˙
˙˙ ˙ ˙
*Chord VII has two possible spellings, we'll see why later
You'll notice that there are 3 possible dominant chords that emerge from the melodic minor.
By extending the chords we can compare them.
IV7(©11) V7(9/¨13) V7alt
D7(©11)
w wE7(9/¨13) G©7alt = G©7(¨5/¨9/©9/¨13)
w #w
w #w
w
& #w
w
w
w #w
w
w #w
w
Melodies and harmonic progressions based entirely on the melodic minor are quite
rare, rather particular modes and chords are borrowed from the melodic minor
and used in a variety of contexts.

2
Modes and Character Chords of the Melodic Minor.

Mode I: The Melodic Minor
The melodic minor scale is used melodically (e.g. Autumn serenade) and
improvisationally over a minor chord particularly in a jazz context.
The minor (maj 7) is sometimes used in place of a minor chord (usually as the I chord),
to create a mysterious quality. Often, but not always it is used as an ending chord to
create a different colour to the minor triad or minor 7 chord.
A‹(Œ„Š7) A‹(Œ„Š9) E/Am
& #w
w #w
w
w #w
w
w
w
w w
w w
wA minor
E major
The above shows the minor(maj7) chord and it's common extension minor(maj9).
The latter may be constructed with the use of polychord (the superimposition of
2 distinct chords) in this case: E/Am. Examples of the min(maj7) and variants may
be found as ending chords in 'spy' and jazz tunes (Eva Cassidy-Autumn Leaves) or
as part of the form (1st chords of Solar - Miles Davis (Cm(maj7) and
It's Probably Me - Sting (Em(maj9) to Em69))
Mode II: Dorian (b9) "Phrygadorian"
& ˙ ˙ #˙ w
˙ b˙ ˙
R b2 b3 4 5 6 b7
The 2nd mode of melodic minor may be seen as a Dorian scale with a minor 2nd
or a Phyrgian scale with a major scale - and is sometimes called 'phrygadorian'.
It's rather rare but there are examples when something sufficiently surreal is
required Everything In Its Right Place - Radiohead has C Dorian b9 moments on
its 'chorus'. Pentatonic versions of the mode can also appear in blues e.g. (R,b9,b3,5,b7)

3
Mode III: Lydian (#5) "Augmented Lydian"
& ˙ #˙ #˙ ˙ w
˙ ˙
R 2 3 #4 #5 6 7
The 3rd mode of melodic minor comes out as a Lydian with a raised 5th, quite an
ear opener of a mode. Its most common application comes from its character chord
the maj7(#5) which is not too unusual particularly in contemporary jazz. It can
be used in place over a maj7 chord as a spicy alternative so long as it doesn't interfere
with the melody. Here's the chord, with a common extension and an upper-structure
spelling.
CŒ„Š7(#5) Cmaj7(#5/#11) E/C
#w
w
& #w
w
w #w
w
w #w
w
w
w w w E major
Mode IV: Lydian (b7) "Lydian Dominant"
& #˙ ˙ ˙ bw
˙ ˙ ˙
R 2 3 #4 5 6 b7
Mode IV is perhaps the most used melodic minor mode- The Lydian scale with a
flattened 7th (Lydian dominant), it has a very distinctive character - the Simpsons
being an excellent example in terms of both melody and harmony. Furthermore the
characteristic chord of the mode (Dominant7(#11)) is often used when a 'floating'
quality is wanted on a dominant chord. This usually happens on the IV7(#11) the
bVII7(#11) and on tritone substitutions (eg sub V7(#11)/I etc.)
The progression I7 - II7 incidentally, outlines all the notes in Lydian b7.

4
Mode V: Mixolydian (b13)
& ˙ ˙ b˙ bw
˙ ˙ ˙
R 2 3 4 5 b6 b7
Mode V has an unusual quality and there are examples of its use in contemporary
jazz, and in a pentatonic and hexatonic form, some music from Africa. It's character
chord - the Dominant9(b13) is quite scrunchy and used compositionally in some jazz
standards and some contemporary players like John Scofield.
Mode VI: Locrian (nat2)
& ˙ ˙ #˙ #w
˙ ˙ ˙
R 2 3 4 5 b6 b7
Mode VI the Aeolian b5 or Locrian nat 2 is most often used over min7(b5) in a jazz
context or in sophisticated metal. Its character min9(b5) is also used in contemporary
jazz.
Mode VII: Altered (Superlocrian)
& b˙ b˙ b˙ bw
˙ b˙ b˙
R b2 b3 b4=3 b5 b6 b7
Mode VII is an important mode of the melodic minor. Notice that every scale degree
is flattened (R, b2, b3, b4, b5, b6, b7). It is sometimes called the superlocrian, but
most often refered to as 'Altered'. Although it is technically a minor scale (b3) the
flattened 4th is enharmonically equivalent to a major 3rd, so this together with the
flattened 7th makes it a dominant scale - the most dissonant dominant scale imaginable.
It includes all the funky tensions: (b9/#9/b5/b6) while maintaing the root and the 3 and b7
of a dominant 7th chord. It is played over a dominant chord (usually in jazz) and it's
character chord (7(b9/#9/b5/b13)) is usually abbreviated to alt 7 (or 7 alt).
C7b5(b9/#9/b13) or C7alt.
bw
b #ww
&b b w
w
w
w
©2011 Milton Mermikides Complete Track Analysis 1
Complete Track Analysis

With the important elements of harmony in place, it’s time to integrate these
aspects into a complete picture of a track1. Here’s a very brief but pertinent
checklist of various musical features that when taken together can help
further musical understanding and in turn enhance creativity.
These concepts and questions are all worth considering when approaching a
track analysis. In this course we’re looking mainly at the pure harmonic
mechanics, rather than lyrical interpretation and song structure, but we must
remember that the impact of a track is multi-faceted, so understanding these
other important elements will give a more nuanced – and more applicable –
understanding of popular music harmony.
Many of these concepts may be addressed to the score of the track.

However it is very important that an analysis is conducted through the
receptive listening of music. The musical practice is about the listening and
creative process, and although notation is an extremely useful way to
communicate, consider and conceptualise a track, it is only a tool in order to
enhance, and not replace, the musical experience.
The Basics
Style – Genre(s) - Instrumentation - Production
Tempo – Time Signature - Groove – Rhythmic Subdivision - Feel
Lyrical content – Impact – Vibe - ’Meaning’
Do any of the above change during the course of the track?
1 We’ll use the term ‘track’ to denote any relevant composition be it pop
song, metal instrumental, jazz standard or folk tune. ‘Piece’ or ‘work’ is a tad
pretentious, ‘song’ is an odd term for instrumental music and ‘tune’ is a bit
ambiguous. So, for convenience, ‘track’ it is. We needn’t get distracted
further with semantics, or get overly fussy with terms, so that said, let’s just
get on with it.
Structure
Can the track be divided into logical sections using such terms as
Intro, Verse, Prechorus, Chorus, Instrumental Solo, Bridge or ‘Middle 8’,
Instrumental Interlude and Outro? Can you provide a simple map of the
sections? Can that map be further simplified using repeats, DS, DC, Coda,
Fine etc?
When sections occur more than once, how are they varied, truncated,
extended, reinterpreted, transposed or otherwise reinterpreted?
Do any of the sections share features? For example does the guitar solo have
the same chords as the verse?
Sketch, or write out the basic form. Here’s an example, it doesn’t have to be
exactly like this, any way that communicates the whole structure as simply
and clearly as possible.
Key and Harmony

What is the key area, mode or tonic note of the track?
Does it change through modulation?
If modulations occur are they simply shifting previous material to a new key
or does new material accompany the shift?
Are the key modulations closely related to the original key (eg. F to Aminor)
or a parallel shift (Cmajor to Db major)?
Is the modulation ‘pivotal’ (by using chords that are related to both keys) or is
it ‘direct’ and ‘unprepared’?
Once a modulation occurs, does the track end in this new key, return to the
original, or continue to another –maybe similar – modulation?
Does the chord progressions fit into any of the harmonic devices covered in
this course? (E.g. Diatonicism, parallel major/minor/borrowing, inversions,
secondary dominants, Blues chords, parallelism, pedal tones etc.)
Can the progression be generalized and quickly absorbed using roman
numeral (or similar) analysis (e.g. i – iv – i - V7).
Harmony is of course, is the main content of this course so we needn’t

repeat it here. However it’s important to remember that:
a) As noted before, harmony is just one of several important musical aspects

and it its interaction with other features that creates musical impact.
b) All the harmonic concepts presented in the course are only important
because they are used and can be reapplied effectively. Harmonic analysis is
not an intellectual diversion like sudoko, it has direct musical relevance.
Melody
There will be supporting material for the study of melody but here are some
salient points that will help understand how to approach the analysis and
creation of melodies.
Listen (and look) at the entirety of the melody. Can it be broken into logical
phrases? Often this can be done at a few levels:
1) The entire melody
2) The melody at each of the structural sections (see Structure)
3) Phrase groups within each section
4) Commonly used intervals/motifs within phrases.
For each of the above it can be useful to explore:

1) Range and contour. What is the highest and lowest pitches in the
melody (or phrases)? When does the peak occur, what is the overall
shape of the melody, or contours of the phrases? How and where do
any of these contours repeat, perhaps transposed? When a phrase is
repeated closely, look out for any variations – particularly at the end of
phrases. When the melody is played in isolation which phrases feel
unresolved (‘questions’) and which feel like resolutions (‘answers’)?
2) How are phrases separated? Do phrase lengths change?
3) Is the melody (or are the phrases) drawn from a common scale/mode
(is it heptatonic, hexatonic or pentatonic?) Does it does change at any
point and if so, how and when?
4) What intervals does the melody make against the chords? Are they all
chord tones? How are non-chord tones resolved if at all? When
melodic shapes are repeated against different chords, does the
melody stay the same (changing the intervals against the chords) or is
the melody transposed or sequenced (perhaps preserving the same
intervals)?
5) What are the most distinguishable, characterizing and memorable

aspects of the melody?
The Big Picture
You should now be able to combine the important aspects from all of the
above into a complete picture. Your final project will include such an analysis
of a complete track and a composition (with commentary) of your own.
This process will help to understand the track in its entirety, improving your
musical perception, appreciation and ability to create your own music, which
in turn will increase your understanding of music. Keeping this positive cycle
of theory-practice active will improve your understanding, communication,
creativity and enjoyment of music.
Not a bad deal.

Interval Training
Interval Up Down
Unison Barbara-Ann- Beach Boys etc. etc.
P1
Minor 2nd Jaws Theme – John Williams Fur Elise - Beethoven
m2
Major 2nd Happy Birthday Yesterday - Beatles
M2 “Near – Far’ Titanic theme
Minor 3rd Smoke on the Water Girl from Ipanema – Jobim.
m3 New World Symphony – Beethovens 5th 2nd phrase
Dvo!ák
Champagne Supernova –
Oasis (verse begins with
alternating minor 3rds)
Major 3rd Hey Jude- Beatles Na-na-na First 2 notes of Swing Low
M3 spells out major triad. Sweet Chariot
Summer Time
Beethovens 5th 1st phrase
Perf 4th Wedding Song – Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
P4 Mendellsohn
Nirvana-Smells Like Teen
Spirit – clean guitar
Augmented The Simpsons 3 note motif. Take The A-Train –
4th Is R-#4-5 Ellington/Strayhorn Bass
Diminished Maria from West Side Story Intro
5th From note 2 to 3 in big guitar
A4, d5 riff of Enter Sandman –
Metallica (R,8,b5)
Perfect 5th Star Wars Theme It Don’t Mean A thing
P5 Spring from Vivaldi’s Four Flintstones
Seasons
Minor 6th Dr. Who Theme Song 1st 2 Love Story Theme -Lai
m6 notes of ‘Theremin’ melody Higher (The Saturday’s ft.
In My Life – 1st 2 notes of flo.rida) 3rd keyboard figure,
guitar intro. 1st two are descending major
6ths
Major 6th Nessun Dorma - Puccini. The Man In The Mirror – Michael
M6 big moment. Jackson Chorus
Angels- Verse
My Way-Sinatra
Min 7th Star Trek- Original Theme 1st 2 notes of Watermelon

m7 Man Melody -Herbie
Hancock
Maj 7th Take on Me – Aha I Love You – Cole Porter
M7 Don’t Know Why – Nora
Jones
Octave Somewhere Over the Willow Weep for Me
P8 Rainbow
Singin’ in The Rain
Melody and Harmony
As mentioned, in 'Complete Track Analysis', harmony can only be fully understood in relation to other musical
considerations. This handout looks at melody's relation to harmony in a little more detail. Remember that
context is crucial in music, so none of the following are immutable laws, just helpful guidelines and incentives
to notice the most salient features.
Music is multi-dimensional, there is expressive power in timbre, rhythm, groove, melody and harmony as isolated
features, and in their complex interactions. First we look at some expressive features of melody in itself, and then
its interaction with melody.
Melodic Tension
Note Hierarchy of the Major Scale
& œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ
R 2 3 4 5 6 7
A scale is usually written, and conceived, in ascending form (see above).

However, in terms of hierarchy, the 7 notes may be better arranged in terms of degrees of resolution.
Diatonic Tones Non-pentatonic

Triad tones from pentatonic scale tones
& œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ
R 5 3 2 6 4 7
more resolved less resolved
The layout above gives a general impression of how the notes of a major scale compare in terms of
resolution level. This explains why we see certain shapes of melodies, and how phrase endings
differ between phrases of a melody.
We may also extend this concept of melodic tension to include non-diatonic notes, an impression
is given below. Although subjective, there are technical reasons for the rough layout below.
However, although we are still considering melody as independent of harmony, the following
should be taken only as an approximate guide - context of surrounding melody notes, implied keys,
phrasing and rhythm are still critical.
& œ œ œ œ bœ œ nœ bœ #œ bœ
œ bœ
R 5 3 2 6 b7 4 7 b3 #4 b6 b2

2
We have so far been looking at a 'major' context. If however a minor (or modal) context is established
a different pattern may emerge, still noting all the caveats previously mentioned. Here's an impression
of a melodic tension continuum in a minor context:
& œ bœ œ bœ œ nœ #œ bœ nœ
œ œ bœ
R 5 b3 4 b7 2 6 7 #4 b6 b2 3
So far we have looked as melody as separate (as far as possible) from harmonic context. This is an
important component of analysis (and context) and establishes the sense of expression in an isolated melody.
The following extract (Beatles-Across The Universe) gives a simple general impression of the melodic
tension in the melody. Note how a phrase is repeated almost identically, except for the ending which is at
first unresolved, and then resolved.
#
D DŒ„Š7 F©‹7
&#œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ‰ œ
J
Resolved (Root) Quite resolved (5th)
#
E‹7 A7
5
&#œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ 4œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙
44
Less resolved (4th)
Unresolved (7th)
## 4 Dœ œ œ œ DŒ„Š7
F©‹7
& 4 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ‰ œJ 42
Resolved Root) Quite resolved (5th)
## 2E‹7 44 œ
G‹
Ó
& 4œ œ™ œ œ œ œ œ
Less resolved (4th)
Resolved (Root)
If we look at the chords in isolation we get another pattern of tension and release, which sometimes correlates with
the melodic tension and sometimes doesn't. They differ most notably here when the melody resolves at the end of
the 2nd phrase while the harmony holds down a colourful and unresolved subdominant minor (iv) chord. This is an
example of the multi-level property which makes music so endlessly fascinating and absorbing.
Now we've looked at melodic tension, and also mentioned that it exists in relationship (but not direct correlation)
with a sense of harmonic resolution, we now turn our attention to consonance and dissonance, how particular
melody notes are heard against specific chords - sometimes referred to as the vertical relationship.
Consonance and Dissonance 3
The following diagrams give an indication of the level of consonance/dissonance over a few common
chords. Remember context is important - for example - whether the note is diatonic, or if it stressed
rhythmically or left unresolved will alter the sense of dissonance. Still, it is certainly worth trying these out
yourself and considering this important mechanism in both your analysis and composition.
Major chord
& w
w œ œ œ œ bœ nœ œ bœ #œ bœ bœ
w œ
R 5 3 2 6 b7 7 4 b3 #4 b6 b2
Consonant Dissonant
Minor or minor 7 chord
& nw
w œ bœ œ bœ œ #œ nœ bœ
w œ œ bœ nœ
R 5 3 4 b7 2 6 #4 7 b6 b2 3
Consonant Dissonant
Major 7 chord
w œ œ #œ nœ bœ
& w
w
w œ œ œ œ #œ bœ bœ
R 5 3 7 9 13 7 11 #9 b13 b7 b9
Consonant Dissonant
Dominant 7 chord
& bw
w
w
w œ œ œ
bœ
œ
œ #œ nœ bœ bœ œ œ
R 5 3 b7 9 6 #2 4 # b13 4 7
Consonant Dissonant
The above guide treats chords in isolation, divorced from harmonic context - whether the chord is a I, ii or IV for
example. A general persepective of consonance and dissonance which includes this element might be represented thus:
Consonant Dissonant
Diatonic note Non-diatonic note Diatonic note Non-diatonic note

Chord Tones whole tone or above whole tone or above semi tone above semi tone above
(CTs) nearest chord tone nearest chord tone nearest chord tone nearest chord tone
Common Rare
There are some exceptions to this guide. Most notably the minor 3rd, which is a very commonly used
and stylistically fundamental non-diatonic note in a major or blues context.
4
Melody on Harmony
The study and understanding of melody is a life-long pursuit, but let's look at a succinct representative selection of
broad concepts addressing how melody may effectively integrate with harmony, how dissonance is resolved and
common 'tensions.'
Chord-Tone Melody
In the following example (All The Things You Are - Hammerstein/Kern) the melody is constructed entirely
from chord tones (CTs) from the underlying chord sequence. Chord degrees (not specifically major minor) are given.
˙™
F‹7 B¨‹7 E¨7 A¨Œ„Š7 D¨Œ„Š7 D‹7 G7 CŒ„Š7
b
& b bb w œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ œ œ œ œ œ œ n˙ œ nw
3rd 3rd 7th 3rd 7th 3rd 7th 3rd 3rd 3rd 7th 3rd
Diatonic Sequence, Passing Tones and CT pivots

There are 3 powerful devices in the following extract (Autumn Leaves - Kosma/Mercer)
1) Diatonic sequence: A fixed pattern of chord degrees are moved through a harmonic progression.
2) Passing Tone: Stepwise resolution of NCTs between CTs.
Note how the NCTs here (9ths) are approached from, and resolved to, CTs using a diatonic scale.
3) Chord-tone pivots (a new term): Note how held notes change from one CT to another CT of a new chord.
(Gm7) C‹7 F7 B¨Œ„Š7

b w œ w
&b Œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
Root 9th 3rd 3rd 7th Root 9th 3rd 3rd
CT NCT CT CT CT
(step) (step)
E¨Œ„Š7 A‹7(b5) D7 G‹7
b
(G melodic minor)
&b œ œ œ œ w œ
œ nœ #œ w
7th Root 9th 3rd 3rd 7th Root 9th 3rd 3rd
Common NCT Devices 5
Now the concept of passing tones has been introduced, let's take a survey of many of the typical devices
for handling NCTs.
Anticipation (ANT)
˙™
C E‹ F C
& ˙™ œ œ ˙™ œ w
CT NCT CT NCT CT NCT CT
(same note) (same note) (same note)
A CT is played before the harmonic change, resulting in a momentary NCT (usually but not always diatonic).
In other words, the NCT is created (and resolved) by anticipating a harmonic change.
Neighbour Tone (NT) or Auxillary Note (AUX)
A‹ NT NT NT
œ
E‹ F E7
& ˙ œ ˙ œ œ ˙ œ œ #œ œ œ œ
CT NCT CT CT NCT CT CT NCT CT CT CT NCT CT
(step) (step)
A NCT (usually diatonic) is played above or below a CT and is approached, and resolved in step wise motion.
Incomplete Neighbour Tone

(non-diatonic)
C F
œ œ ˙™
& œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ bœ œ
CT NCT CT CT NCT CT CT NCT CT CT NCT CT CT NCT CT
(skip) (step) (skip) (step) (skip) (step) (skip) (step) (skip) (step)
(aka appoggiatura)
œ œ œ œ œJ œ ™ œ œ œ œ œJ œ™
G A‹
& œ œ ˙™
CT NCT CT CT NCT CT CTNCTCT CT NCT CT CT NCT CT
(skip) (step) (skip) (step) (skip) (step) (skip) (step) (skip) (step)
C (same-direction)
& œ œ œ œ œ ˙
œ œ œ œ œ œ
CT NCT CT CT NCT CT CT NCT CT
œ NCT CT
CT CT
(skip) (step) (skip) (step) (skip) (step) (step) (skip)
A NCT is approached by a skep and resolved by a step (usually but not always in the opposite direction) Appoggiatura.
A NCT may also be approached by a step from a CT and resolved by a skip (usually in the opposite direction)
This is very similar to the idea of escape tone, where the skip occurs on a harmonic change.
NCTs are usually but not always (see bar 3) diatonic.
6
Escape Tone(ET) or Echappeé
NCTs are approached by step and then resolved onto a CT of a new chord in the opposite direction.
˙™
A‹ G F E7
& ˙™ œ œ œ œ ˙
CT (step) NCT CT (step) NCT CT NCT CT
(step)
(opposing skip to (opposing skip to (opposing skip to
CT on new chord) CT on new chord) CT on new chord)
Changing Tones (ChTs) or Double-Neighbour Tones (DNTs)

CTs left by a step, then skip in the opposite direction and resolved to CT by step.
C A‹ F F‹ C
œ œ
& ˙ œ ˙ œ ˙ œ œ œ bœ ˙
CT NCT NCT CT NCT NCT CT NCT NCT CT CT CT
Suspensions and Retardations

A‹
œ
C G G7 C
œ œ ˙™
F
˙ œ
& ˙™ œ œ ˙
sus.4-3 prep. sus.9-8 res. prep. ret.7-8 res. prep. ret.2-3 res.
A delayed step-wise resolution to a CT. When the resolution falls its a suspension, when it rises the
NCT is a retardation. The note in the preceding chord is known as the preparation.(prep.) which are
suspended (sus.) or retardated (ret.) and then resolved (res.).
Passing Tones (PT)

From Heart-Shaped Box - Nirvana
œ œ œJ œ J J œ œJ œJ œ ™
A‹ F
œ œ
D7
& Œ ˙ ˙ ˙ Ó
CT NCT CT NCT CT NCT CT NCT CT NCT CT
Stepwise connections between CTs of the same, or next chord using NCTs.
These are usually single and diatonic, but may also involve more than one note (eg double passing tones)
or may also be chromatic, and combined with other devices to form more complex approach patterns.
7
Double Passing Tones (DPTs), Approach Patterns and
'Accepted' NCTs
From Blue Monk - Thelonius Monk
C7 F7
& œ œ #œ œ ˙ œ #œ œ œ ˙
CT NCT NCT CT CT NCT NCT CT
Double chromatic passing tones. Double chromatic passing tones.
C7
& œ nœ œ bœ j j Œ
œ œ #œ œ œ bœ nœ œ
CT NCT CT NCT NCT NCT NCT CT NCT NCT
Neighbour Chromatic Changing Tone with Chromatic 'Accepted'

Tone Passing Tone chromatic passing tone: Passing Tone NCT.
to... Approach Pattern to...
The last note here introduces the idea of 'accepted' non-chord tones. Clearly the 9th sounds
just fine and may be happily left unresolved. Actually in Jazz such melody notes are often 'written in' to the harmony,
a C9 in this case. But this isn't always appropriate, and often in popular music these notes are clearly not
included in the harmonic accompaniment, doing so can make the harmony overly fussy and weaker.
So how do we decide what is 'acceptable' in terms of NCTs?
A musical ear is always the best judge and context and style are important and sometimes 'outness' is desired.
(Just listen to Zappa, Blur or King Crimson for perfectly judged 'wrong' notes)
Page 3 of this section (Consonance and Dissonance) will provide some theoretical context to the degrees of
dissonance in melody, not forgetting that placement on strong or weak beats - the rhythmic emphasis of NCTs -
is crtitical. Using dissonant notes is not necessarily bad (although involves skill) and perfectly 'correct' notes
does not necessarily produce good music. However an awareness of the consonance/dissonance continuum is
hugely valuable. This particulary topic is vast but we will end with just one further illustrative example:
Fixed Melody and Changing Harmony

A powerful device is to use a fixed melody, over a changing harmonic sequence. The melody
may create NCTs (in this case very common ones) and there is an interesting musical effect
of hearing similar material in different harmonic contexts. In a way this is the opposite of the sequence,
which changes melody to maintain similar chord degrees over changing harmony.
From C-Jam Blues - Duke Ellington
œ™
C7 F7 C7
& œ œ Œ Ó œ œ Œ œ œ Œ œ Ó ∑
J
5 5 9 9 9 9 5 R
œ™
F7
C7 E‹7 A7
J
9 9 9 9 9 9 5 R
œ™
D‹7 C7 E¨7 A¨7 D¨7
G7
J
11 11 R R R R 5 R
8
The End and the Beginning
Often dismissed by people don't know any better as 'simple', popular music harmony is a complex
and fascinating mix of concepts and cultural influences that are endlessly interesting, effective and
inspiring. Do remember that harmony lies in a complex interrelationship with all other music parameters
and how its used - and its musical effect - is determined by context rather than theoretical abstraction.
I graduated from a 4-year degree in 1996 which I approached with passion and commitment, since then
there has not been a day that I have not thought about, played or composed music, I've even completed a PhD
in composition, and I am still discovering fascinating and rewarding insights about understanding
and using 'simple' harmony.
I wish you the same enjoyment and satisfaction.
Milton Mermikides 2011

Popular Music Harmony - An Introduction - Milton Mermikides

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'UK' I ii iii IV V vi viiº

'UK' I ii iii IV V vi viiº

I ii7 iii7 IV^7 V7 iv7 viØ

GŒ„Š7 E‹7 A‹7 D7

E‹7 A‹7 D7 GŒ„Š7

CŒ„Š7 D7 E‹7 A‹7

'UK' i iiº III iv v VI VII i

Reference: The diatonic 7ths of A minor.

a) Cm: iiº V7 i b) Dm: i iv V7 i

c) Em: VI∆7 iiø V7 i7 d) Bm: i7 bVI viiº7 i

'UK' I ii iii IV V vi viiº

i iiº III iv v VI VII

The 'subdominant minor' IVm, iv the bVI bVII I

The 'Beatles' chord 'Epic'

Borrowing Chords from the Minor Scale-2

I ii7 iii7 IV^7 V7 iv7 viØ

i7 iiøØ7 III^7 iv7 v7 VI^7 VII7

Common 7th chord uses

The 'subdominant minor7' The bIIImaj7 and bVImaj7

iv7 Imaj7 Imaj7 bIIImaj7 bVImaj7 V7 Imaj7

b˙˙ n˙˙ bœœ bœœœ œœ nœœœ bw

& bœœœœ œœœ

(Almost) all the chord symbols you'll ever need.

C [R, 3, 5] C‹ [R, ♭3, 5] C& [R, 3, ♯5] Cº [R, ♭3, ♭5]

3-note (sus chords)

4-note (7th chords)

4-note (6th chords)

C6 C‹6 C(b6) C‹(b6)

4-note (add and sus chords)

C(„ˆˆ9) C‹(„ˆˆ9) C7(“4)

5-note (9th chords)

CŒ„Š9 [R, 3, 5, 7, 9] C‹9 [R, ♭3, 5, 7, 9] C9 [R, 3, 5, ♭7, 9]

C% [R, 3, 5, 6, 9] C‹% [R, ♭3, 5, 6, 9]

CŒ„Š7(#11) C7(#11) C‹7(#11) C‹(Œ„Š7#11)

7-note (13th chords)

CŒ„Š13 CŒ„Š13(#11) C13 C13(#11)

CŒ„Š7 C©º7 D‹7 D©º7 E‹7 E¨º7 D‹7 D¨º7

IVmaj7 #IVº7 I IV7 #IVº7 I7

The bVII7 chord

CŒ„Š7 B¨7 CŒ„Š7 F‹7 B¨7 CŒ„Š7

bVII IV I IVmaj7 bVIImaj7 I

Imaj7 bVII7(#11) Imaj7 bVII9(#11)

IIm7 subV7 Imaj7

SubVs may be preceded by min7 chords a 5th above

And substitute secondary dominants may also exist

Imaj7 subV7/IV IVmaj7

IIm7 subV7 Imaj7

D‹7 D¨9(#11) CŒ„Š7

Imaj7 subV7/II IIm7 subV7 Imaj7

A¨‹7 D¨9(#11) C7 A‹7 A¨7

BØ7 E7 A‹7 A7 D‹7 G7 CŒ„Š7

Label any diationic chords correctly ('US' used here)

VIIm7(b5) VIm7 IIm7 V7 Imaj7

BØ7 E7 A‹7 A7 D‹7 G7 CŒ„Š7

Check for any dominant chords a 5th above diatonic chords

Label any dominant chord a 5th above a diatonic chord.

VIIm7(b5) V7/VI VIm7 V7/II IIm7 V7 Imaj7

Draw Arrows for dominant chords resolving down a 5th

VIIm7(b5) V7/VI VIm7 V7/II IIm7 V7 Imaj7

VIIm7(b5) V7/VI VIm7 V7/II IIm7 V7 Imaj7

BØ7 E7 A‹7 A7 D‹7 G7 CŒ„Š7

AŒ„Š7 F©7 B‹7 E7

C©‹7(b5) F©7 B‹7 E7 AŒ„Š7