Harmonic Analysis Lesson Series

For scale selection and chord substutition.

Published: 24 Mar 2013 Updated: 06 Jan 2020Visits: 21Code: MLRMAe

Category: TheoryInstrument: Music Subjects: Chords • Theory • Intermediate • Advanced • Progressions

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Harmonic Analysis Lesson Series


Harmonic Analysis ( HA ) is the process used to determine the harmonic function of chords within a chord progression. A chord progression is defined as a sequence of chords, each chord has a root and has a particular chord type. The relationship of a chord's root to a scale determines its function within that scale's tonality. Once a chord's function is identified, scale selections along with chord and scale substitutions can be made. This process is called Root Movement Analysis ( RMA ).

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This series of lessons are extracted from my book for use with individual private and on-line students. Each lesson directly corresponds the chapters in my book Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution by Curt Sheller (me).

  • Introduction
  • Basic Concepts
  • The Six Harmonic Principles
  • Full Diatonic
  • Partial Diatonic
  • Internal Modulation
  • Unresolved
  • Chromatic
  • Cycles
  • Scale Selection
  • Chord substitution
  • Common Progressions
  • Common Harmonic Sequences
  • Main and Minor Scale Harmonized Chord Charts
  • Mode Harmonized Chord Charts
  • Worksheets
  • Conclusion

Once your learn chords the real power and benefit comes from knowing how they relate to each other, their harmonic function, their Chord Spelling i.e. the Chord Tones .

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Related Lessons, Videos, Lesson Series, Songs, Books & Reference Charts, Resources & Assets, Workshops are below.

Related Lessons

Related Lessons for Harmonic Analysis Lesson Series.

MLRMAe-1

Harmonic Analysis - Introduction

Harmonic Analysis (HA) is the process used to determine the harmonic function of chords within a chord progression, sequence, composition or song. A chord progression is defined as a sequence of chords, each chord has a root and has a particular chord type.

MLRMAe-10

Harmonic Analysis - Scale Selection

A Harmonic Analysis is then used to make vertical and horizontal scale selection for improvisation and chord substitution.

MLRMAe-14

Harmonic Analysis - Major and Minor Harmonized Chord Charts

Major and Minor Harmonized Chord Charts are used for while doing a Harmonic Analysis (HA). Shows triads and 4-part chords for ALL 15 major and minor keys. "Yes, Virginia there are 15 keys."

MLRMAe-15

Harmonic Analysis - Modes Harmonized Chord Charts

The triads and 4-part chords for ALL 15 major and minor keys.

MLRMAe-16

Harmonic Analysis - Worksheet and Examples

"Harmonic Analysis" is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. A blank worksheet and examples for notating your harmonic analysis.

MLRMAe-2

Harmonic Analysis - Basic Concepts

Harmonic Analysis is the process of determining the root movement of chords within a chord progression, the chord types that are used as well as identifying tonal centers. This root movement can be determined and categorized using one of six harmonic principles and the harmonized chord charts referenced in the lessons.

MLRMAe-3

Harmonic Analysis - The Six Harmonic Principles - Overview

This lessons cover the "Six Harmonic Principles" that are used to do a Harmonic Anlyasis - the understanding of the functional sequence of chords.

MLRMAe-4

Harmonic Analysis - Full Diatonic

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song, or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution. This lesson covers the Full Diatonic harmonic principle.

MLRMAe-6

Harmonic Analysis - Internal Modulation

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song, or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution. This lesson covers the Internal Modulation harmonic principle.

MLRMAe-5

Harmonic Analysis - Partial Diatonic

"Partial Diatonic" is defined as a chord that HAS its root in the - "Harmonize Chord Chart," but its species or chord type is NOT in the Harmonized Chord Chart. Partial Diatonic chords are used to link chords without leaving the current key center. Secondary Dominant chords are a big part of this harmonic principle.

MLRMAe-7

Harmonic Analysis - Unresolved

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song, or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution. This lesson covers the Unresolved harmonic principle.

MLRMAe-8

Harmonic Analysis - Chromatic

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song, or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution. This lesson covers the Chromatic harmonic principle.

MLRMAe-9

Harmonic Analysis - Cycles

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song, or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution. This lesson covers the Cycles harmonic principle.

MLRMAe-11

Harmonic Analysis - Chord Substitution Principles

A "Substitution" is when a chord replaces or is used in addition to an existing chord. Chords can have an active or passive quality to them. Active chords tend to be restless and want to move on to other chords. Passive chords tend to offer a feeling of rest and resolution. This cycle of active and passive chords are what gives chord progressions their feeling of movement.

Related Lesson Series

Related Lessons Series for Harmonic Analysis Lesson Series.

Common Chord Progressions and Remembering Songs

Updated: 08 Jun 2023

Understanding the similarities between chord progressions and songs can greatly enhance your ability to remember and play a wide variety of songs. It's fascinating how much common ground exists among different musical compositions.

Jazz Standard Chord Progressions

Updated: 01 Jan 2003

These are the chord progressions, extracted from my book "Exploring Jazz Chords on Ukulele" for use with on-line and private students.

Types of Chords Available on Ukulele

Updated: 08 Jun 2023

On the ukulele, there are various types of chords that you can explore, including open position chords, movable form chords, 4-part chords (commonly known as jazz chords), and free form chords.

Related Books & Charts

Related Books for Harmonic Analysis Lesson Series.

RMA1

Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

AGCUKE1STD

Exploring Jazz Chords on Ukulele

AGCUKE1

A Guide to Advanced Ukulele Chords - Volume I

AGCPB1UKE

A Guide to Blues Chord Progressions for Ukulele A to Z

BC1GTR

A Guide to Guitar Chords

AGCPB1

The Advanced Guide to Blues Chord Progressions for Guitar - Volume I

AGCPB2

The Advanced Guide to Blues Chord Progressions for Guitar - Volume II

AGCP1

The Advanced Guide to Chord Progressions for Guitar - Volume I

AGCPUKE1

The Advanced Guide to Chord Progressions for Ukulele - Volume I

AGC1

The Advanced Guide to Guitar Chords - Volume I

BC1UKE-C

Ukulele Chords - C Tuning

A Selection of Books & Reference Charts that are recommended for creating a solid foundation with your chosen instrument and music in general.

Books

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard – C Tuning

Finally, learn the names of the notes of the fingerboard.

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering

Learn the six fingering principles to navigating the ukulele fingerboard. Fingering is one of the most universal topics.

Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition.

Ukulele – Reading Music Series – Primer

Learn to read single note melodies in the first/open position is a lot easier than you might think.

Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele

An organized collection of daily practice and reference material for the contemporary ukulele player for developing the vocabulary and knowledge necessary for single note playing.

Checkout the Books for ALL available books.

Reference Charts

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G - G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G – G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Key Signatures — Circle of Fourths and Fifths – ANSI A & A4 sizes

A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatures. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized (ANSI-A) , A4

Checkout the Books for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.

Related Lesson Files, Resources and Assets

Related Assets for Harmonic Analysis Lesson Series.

FL68

A Guide to Advanced Chords Series - Chord Building Chart

Updated: 31 Dec 2016

A handle dandy reference chart for building fifteen (15) basic triads and 4-part chords.

WEB_CONTENT_ONLY

Harmonic Analysis Major and Minor Chord Charts

Updated: 31 Dec 2016

All 15 full diatonic major and minor key with chord charts. For use when performing a harmonic analysis on a song or chord pregression.

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