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The Roman numerals in a chord progression formula signify the triad form of the chord. It is harmonically
Use this interactive map to create chord permissible to extend these chords with additional diatonic tones to create different chords. In other words,
progressions for your own songs. you can add notes to these chords as long as the notes are part of the diatonic scale. The harmonic
(Click on image above.) function of the chord does not change.
The Roman numerals refer to the position of each chord in the diatonic scale. The diagram below shows
how the Roman numeral scale degree can be interpreted with different chords. All of the examples below
can be interpreted from the same chord formula.
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If you have a music theory question, I
invite you to contact me, Tom Michero at
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Music Theory: Chord Progressions http://www.lotusmusic.com/lm_chordprogressions.html
Chord formulas are written in Roman numerals to represent the generic form of the progression. Often
musicians will learn a piece of music by its chord progression formula. One reason for this is that it is
easier to remember since many songs are based on the same formula. Another reason is, it is easier to
play a song in different keys if you know the formula. However, this assumes you know which chords make
up which keys.
It's not uncommon for a rehearsal conversation to go like this:
Singer: "Hey, I've got this new song I want to do. It's basically a six-two-five progression."
Pianist: "What key do you like?"
Singer: "I don't know. Maybe Bb."
You can see if you are the pianist you need to be ready to play the same progression in several keys.
The chords indicated by the Roman numerals also have names. For instance, the first chord of the scale is
the tonic. The fifth chord is the dominant. The diagram below shows the functional names and scale
degree of the diatonic scale. Beneath this are notes from several common keys that match the function
and degree.
Other scales whose scale patterns differ from the diatonic scale are assigned chord degrees according to
the sharpness or flatness of their notes. That is, the diatonic scale creates a "ruler" that other scales are
measured against. That is why the resulting chord based on the third note of the C natural minor scale is
bIIIm (Ebm) and not III as in the diatonic scale.
The chart below shows how different scales compare. Because the notes of the scales are spaced
differently they produce different chords.
Chord Substitutions
To add variety to the movement you can substitute chords, play dominant chords in place of minor chords,
and vise versa. Play diminished chords instead of a dominant. Play chords with extensions. In other
words, explore the different ways you can link chords together to create harmonic movement.
Example:
One of the most common progressions in music is the I, IV, V (one, four, five) and say we want to explore
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Music Theory: Chord Progressions http://www.lotusmusic.com/lm_chordprogressions.html
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Music Theory: Chord Progressions http://www.lotusmusic.com/lm_chordprogressions.html
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