2.4 Harmonic Function and Progression

Harmonic function and progression are the building blocks of tonal music. They give us a roadmap for how chords work together to create tension and resolution. Understanding these concepts helps us make sense of why certain chord progressions sound so satisfying.

Voice leading is the secret sauce that makes harmonic progressions smooth and natural-sounding. It's all about how individual notes move from chord to chord. By following some simple rules, we can create harmonies that flow effortlessly and sound professional.

Harmonic Functions

Tonic, Dominant and Subdominant Functions

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• Tonic function provides a sense of stability and resolution in a musical phrase or composition
  • Typically represented by the I chord in a key (C major in the key of C)
  • Often used at the beginning and end of phrases to establish the tonal center
• Dominant function creates tension that seeks resolution to the tonic
  • Represented by the V chord (G major in the key of C)
  • Contains the leading tone which strongly pulls towards the tonic
  • Frequently used in cadences to create a sense of finality or resolution
• Subdominant function complements the dominant in creating motion away from the tonic
  • Represented by the IV chord (F major in the key of C)
  • Provides contrast to the tonic and dominant functions
  • Helps establish the key by emphasizing the subdominant scale degree

Pre-Dominant and Functional Harmony

• Pre-dominant function bridges the tonic and dominant functions and leads towards the dominant
  • Includes the subdominant (IV) as well as the supertonic (ii) and mediant (iii) chords
  • Builds tension and anticipation for the arrival of the dominant chord
  • Commonly used in progressions like ii-V-I or IV-V-I
• Functional harmony is a system where chords are analyzed based on their relationship to the tonic
  • Each chord plays a specific role (tonic, dominant, subdominant, or pre-dominant) in creating and resolving tension
  • Progressions are constructed by moving between these functions to create a sense of direction and resolution
  • Understanding functional harmony helps in analyzing, composing, and improvising tonal music

Harmonic Progression

Cadences and Harmonic Rhythm

• Cadence refers to the melodic or harmonic formula that ends a phrase, section, or piece
  • Authentic cadence: V to I chord progression, providing a strong sense of resolution (perfect authentic cadence if both chords are in root position)
  • Plagal cadence: IV to I chord progression, often used as an "amen" ending in hymns
  • Deceptive cadence: V to vi progression, "deceiving" the listener by resolving to the submediant instead of the expected tonic
  • Half cadence: ends on the dominant chord (V), creating an unresolved or suspended feeling
• Harmonic rhythm is the rate at which the harmony changes in a musical passage
  • Can be described as slow (chord changes occur less frequently) or fast (chord changes occur more often)
  • Affects the perceived tension and stability of a passage
  • Composers often vary harmonic rhythm to create interest and shape the pacing of a piece

Common Chord Progressions

• I-IV-V-I: one of the most common progressions in popular music, often used in blues and rock (C-F-G-C in the key of C)
• ii-V-I: a staple progression in jazz and other genres, featuring the pre-dominant, dominant, and tonic functions (Dm-G-C in the key of C)
• I-vi-IV-V: known as the "50s progression" due to its prevalence in popular music of that era (C-Am-F-G in the key of C)
• I-V-vi-IV: the "pop-punk" progression, used in countless songs across various genres (C-G-Am-F in the key of C)
• Understanding common chord progressions helps musicians analyze, compose, and improvise within a style

Voice Leading

Principles and Application of Voice Leading

• Voice leading refers to the way individual melodic lines (voices) move from chord to chord in a progression
  • Aims to create smooth, logical transitions between chords while avoiding awkward leaps or parallel motion
  • Helps maintain the independence of each voice and contributes to the overall coherence of the harmony
• Key principles of voice leading include:
  • Resolve tendency tones (leading tone resolves to tonic, chordal seventh resolves down by step)
  • Avoid parallel fifths and octaves between voices
  • Use contrary motion between voices when possible
  • Keep common tones in the same voice when moving between chords
  • Move each voice by the smallest interval possible (stepwise motion preferred)
• Proper voice leading is essential in creating effective and aesthetically pleasing harmonic progressions
  • Applies to writing for vocal and instrumental ensembles (SATB chorale texture, string quartets, etc.)
  • Also relevant to keyboard-style textures, as it helps create a sense of independence between the hands
• Studying voice leading techniques enhances one's understanding of harmony and the relationships between chords in a progression