Being a performer or creator of music is quite difficult. It is important not only to know musical notation, but also to understand the mechanism of action of hidden processes. Chord sequences are often used in pop music. They are a universal tool for creating melodies, as they can be used in different styles.
Theory
If the sound tends to a specific tonal center or central chord, then such a fragment is called a sequence. Sometimes it is a harmonic cell multiple to the syntactic structure; in this case, the sequence becomes the basis for writing a classical play. The use of sequences is clearly related to form and rhythm.
Depending on the repetition frequency of the segment and its length, you can divide the sequence into 2, 4 or 8-cycle. Chord strings even help determine whether a melody belongs to one of the musical styles. A person who is just starting to study music can thus distinguish classics from pop compositions. If you want to write your own songs, it is important to be able to build chord sequences that will be repeated and easily remembered.
Differences from harmony in classical music
For writing pop music, simplicity and repeatability of the chord sequence are characteristic. It is based on the repetition of a musical segment, in contrast to classical music, where harmony moves continuously. The same principle is used when writing short pieces of music used for advertising.
The origins of the chord sequence used for pop songs are folk songs. Simplicity of execution was very important there, since people who did not study musical notation, but only mastered some tricks, played instruments.
A real element of the style was consistency in jazz music. Initially, it was close to classical harmony, but soon ragtime began to strive for simpler repetitions - this is typical for later compositions.
Types of Harmony Movement
Harmony can move in one of three types:
- quarto-fifth;
- chromatic;
- diatonic.
It is on these three types that other subspecies of the chord sequence are built. The basis for the construction is gamma, which is why chords are numbered in accordance with the stage at which their tonic is located.
The sequence can be played in any key. When maintaining the diatonic structure, only Roman numerals are used in chord writing. If necessary, the use of a seventh chord indicates a class change - 7 or x.
Functional Sequences
They are based on magic circles of functions:
- for major TDST;
- for minor T-MD-ST (or large T-MD-SDT).
In the above circles, the following notation is used: T - tonic, D - dominant, S - subdominant. These circles correspond to any functional sequence. For example, I-IV-VI, I-VI-IV-VI or II-VI-II. You can create such sequences for any gamut.
Non-functional sequences
Modal and tonal sequence sequences are non-functional. They do not have a clear resolution to the tonic of the dominant and subdominant. There are also no tonal gravitations. Two sequences of tonality can be involved in these sequences. An example of this is Am7 - Hm7, which is the most common sequence. For example, it can be interpreted in Dorian minor, then the formula will be I-IIm7. The same sequence of chords in key major can be represented as II-III in G.
A non-functional sequence can be built on the basis of natural modes. An example of this is the sequence in Mixolidian G major or Aeolian C. The formula can be: G-Dm-Em-F. At the same time, non-functional sequences most often have only 2 chords. Melodies are based on their alternation, and there are many such compositions. But most often all the same, sequences with a large number of chords are used, which alternate with each other.
Where chord sequences are used
Chords are the foundation of many styles: jazz, heavy metal, blues and the like. Borrowing a chord sequence became the basis for many classical pieces. The whole modern stage is built on the use of sequences.
An interesting fact is connected with the stage. If plagiarism is the borrowing of 7 notes in a row, then the sequence does not fall under this norm. Indeed, otherwise many composers would have to share fees with the long-dead Bach, who owns many beautiful chord sequences, and more precisely with his descendants. The use of sequences is not copyrighted. That is why many people believe that pop songs are similar to each other and have one melody.
Most used sequences in jazz
It’s most interesting to master jazz chord sequences, as they are the most unusual, complex and beautiful. One of the most common progressions is the descending ii V I.
- | Cmaj7 | % | Cm7 | F7 | Bbmaj7 | % | Bbm7 | Eb7 | Abmaj7.
As you can see, this is a major sequence in which a fragment begins with key C and ends in major Ab. Throughout the interval, tonality does not change. This progression is recommended to study for those guitarists who have just begun to get acquainted with jazz sequences. This sequence has a related minor variant:
It will help even experienced musicians expand their knowledge base. Minor chord sequences will be harder to master than major chords due to the presence of 7alt.
Another popular jazz and blues guitar move is the movement from I to IV. In the minor, many performers are familiar with it, but constructing a sequence in a major key will be quite interesting. Examples that you can immediately try:
- Cmaj7-Gm7-C7-F-maj7 or Cmaj7-Gm9-C13-Fmaj9-F6 / 9.
Try them in different keys. This will be a great exercise for hearing and fingers.
Chord Tricks
You can create a chord sequence in a variety of ways. One of the most common cases is using your own hearing. This technique consists in the fact that the composer sings a melody that comes to mind or lies on the text, and then selects chord sequences for it.
A harmonious chord sequence is characteristic of classical music. In other styles, a limited number of sequences are used where harmony is not significant. There are tons of tricks to help you create your own sequence. Chords can be replaced with the opposite in tone or add add-ons to them. Often chords are simply swapped. To find a more acceptable method for yourself, try changing the key and doing other manipulations with the TSDT scheme. This is another useful exercise for future composers and just musicians.
Sequence Creation Example
So, you already know about 20 chords that you can play on the guitar and crave to create an author song? For such cases, it’s the selection method that can be used to create a simple and memorable composition.
Creating a sequence of chords on a guitar starts with finding the gamma for the song. To do this, you need to have a ready-made text, or at least a motive. Drink it several times to choose the right gamma that will form the basis of the new sequence. Identify the note that determined the melody.
- Decide on the tone of the gamut. To do this, take the note you found, sing the song again. We recommend that you always take the major first, and if it does not fit, then try the minor.
- Based on notes and scales, applying the rules of chord nepotism, you can easily find the right combination.
- If you are not professional enough in playing the guitar, then use the “three chords” trick. We will analyze it on the basis of the major scale and the main note “before”. In this case, the sequence will look as follows: C major - F major - G seventh chord.
In order to learn how to create more complex melodies, you must constantly practice. Learn the sequences that are used in melodies related to different styles. Try writing your first sequences that can form the basis of songs. Be sure to do a lot of repetitions while working with sequences. If you didn’t manage to write your melody the first time, then it will surely work from the 101st, so do not give up attempts. To do this, you have to be patient.