The Chord that Changes Everything
Music Theory: Level 1 • 5m 28s
If you're searching for a solution to enhance an otherwise bland chord progression, look no further than the minor-IV chord. Set in the context of the diatonic chords of the Major Scale, this departure from the “rules” of the scale chords can be highly effective in conveying a certain mood. There are plenty of examples of the minor 4 chord in action throughout popular music, and you’ll recognize its power immediately.
Up Next in Music Theory: Level 1
-
The Circle of Fifths
The circle of fifths is a helpful system of understanding the natural connections within the music we hear. It’s a great visual that can help us to learn about and memorize key signatures. Thinking about how many flats and sharps there are in various key signatures can be intimidating, but the ci...
-
Introduction to Arpeggios with Playin...
Arpeggios are, essentially, chords that are broken out into single note patterns. For example, instead of playing a four note C Major 7 (C, E, G, B) chord where you strum all the notes at once, a C Major 7 arpeggio would have you play C, E, G, B as single notes in a four note pattern. Arpeggios a...
-
Root-Position Triad and Four-Part Arp...
Arpeggios, when used effectively, can make even the weirdest chord progressions sound cool. Arpeggios are essentially chords, just played in single note patterns, and being conscious of which arpeggios are present over each chord you're improvising over will provide you with a wide array of music...