In this section we begin to look at various groups of pitches and how we create our harmonic ideas from them. Based on the equal tempered system, the following topics discuss common aspects of the chords used to create the various styles of American music. Initially, please try to take a few minutes and survey each of the selections on this menu. Each heading contains many additional, closely related linked sub-topics and depending on what experience you are bringing to this text, good chance you'll find topics of interest on each page. One must explore a bit eh? Perhaps needless to say, if you see a topic that perks your curiosity, simply pick and click and off you go, thanx to your browser software, you can always retrace your steps and bookmark your place! Reference texts.
| the theory of harmony of this text | a brief overview of how this text organizes the harmonic resources provided by equal temperament |
| scale / arpeggio / chord | the evolution of how the pitches of a scale are rearranged into an arpeggio segments of which are then stacked into chords. |
| triads | examines the fundamental triad in each of it's possible intervalic configurations. |
| diatonic harmony / major tonality | looks at each of the seven diatonic triads within the major tonality. |
| diatonic harmony / minor tonality | looks at each of the seven diatonic triads within the minor tonality. |
| adding the seventh | expands the various three note triads to include their diatonic seventh and introduces the concept of chord type. |
| spelling chords / color tones | basic tools for spelling out the pitches contained within any chord. |
| families of musical colors | examines the quality of the major 7th, minor 7th and dominant 7th families of chords in both the major and minor tonalities in regards to their function within the various styles of American music. |
| Two / Five / One | explores the fundamental musical properties of this potentially important harmonic motion. |
| Three / Six / Two / Five | explores the fundamental musical properties of this potentially important harmonic motion. |
| chord progressions | places both the triad and various seventh chords within common chord progression used to create the various styles of American music. |
| modulation / changing keys | examines common diatonic and non-diatonic tonal destinations. |
| chord voicings | examines the various ways to arrange the pitches of chords. |
| augmented chords | explores the theory of the augmented colors as applied to major 7th, minor 7th and dominant 7th chords in both the major and minor tonalities. |
| diminished chords | explores the theory of the diminished colors as applied to major 7th, minor 7th and dominant 7th chords in both the major and minor tonalities. |
Harnessing the power of harmony is a truly exciting endeavor for the creative musician. The harmonies of American music cover a full spectrum of artistic possibilities. From the simply diatonic, triadic harmonies of many children's songs to the fringes of tonality of the modern styles, our chordal palette is a vast and powerful resource. What are your harmonic needs? Where did the harmonies we enjoy today originate?
"Research is what I'm doing when I don't know what I'm doing." Wernher Von Braun