Smooth Transitions
Smooth transitions in music involve connecting chords in a way that creates a seamless flow. This is typically achieved by minimizing the movement between individual musical lines, or voices, which results in a more cohesive sound. In chord progressions, smooth transitions help maintain the listener's interest and strengthen the overall structure of the piece.
- Focus on common tones to link chords.
- Use stepwise motion in melodies for fluidity.
- Employ root movement by fourths or fifths for stability.
Secondary Dominants
Secondary dominants are chords that function as temporary dominant chords for diatonic chords other than the tonic. They provide a way to tonicize these chords, adding tension and resolution, which enhances harmonic interest. By introducing a dominant seventh chord built on the fifth degree of the target chord, musicians can create stronger connections and emphasize particular harmonies within a key.
- Identify target diatonic chord.
- Build dominant seventh chord from the fifth degree of the target.
- Use secondary dominants to enhance harmonic progression.
Modal Interchange
Modal interchange, or modal mixture, involves borrowing chords from parallel modes (e.g., major and minor) to add harmonic variety and depth to a progression. This technique allows composers to use chords from another mode that shares the same tonic, thereby enriching the harmonic vocabulary without changing the key. For instance, in a major key, one might borrow chords from the minor mode to introduce new colors and emotional nuances.
- Borrow chords from parallel modes.
- Enhance emotional expression and harmonic diversity.
- Maintain the same tonic for coherence.