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eddu · Post by **eddu** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 9:37 am

Hello,

I am looking for some theoretic explanations on how some long harmonic structureswere build. I think the best way to learn is by analizing some classical stuff or even jazz or whatever. I often find myself writing songs where all the chord progressions are a bit typical, and i'd definitely would like to be able to write a cohesive long chain of chords, with a clear purpose on mind.

Any suggestion on some good alayisis place to have a look?

Thanks!

eddu · Post by **eddu** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 11:38 am

For those of you who might be interested i found this website with tons of useful info.

http://www.learnjazzpiano.com/citadel/s ... 1458&old=1

Not only the re-harmonization part, which is quite what i've beem looking for (not really analysis but how to expand your chains of chords), but everything in general seems to be great. I also love they have SMFs in their examples.

stanlea · Post by **stanlea** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 6:35 pm

Thanks for the link, eddu.

deastman · Post by **deastman** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 7:00 pm

Interesting stuff... I'll take a look!

nuffink · Post by **nuffink** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 7:09 pm

The rule of thumb for progressions is 2nds and 4ths up, 3rds and 5ths down.

nucleon · Post by **nucleon** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 7:22 pm

Try Harmony Navigator maybe.

http://www.cognitone.com/products/nav/intro/page.stml

eddu · Post by **eddu** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 8:42 pm

Actually Harmoni navigation and chordspace are great solutions but..ys, they provide solutions, not explanations, thats why i prefer an analysis over some good compositions.

Nuffink..Can you put some examples please regarding this rule of thumb? Maybe some known tune? Thanks

nuffink · Post by **nuffink** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 8:55 pm

eddu wrote:Nuffink..Can you put some examples please regarding this rule of thumb? Maybe some known tune? Thanks

Sure...

We'll deal in good old C major.

C up a 4th to F, up a 2nd to G, down a 5th to C again gives you the classic I - IV - V - I progression.

C down a 3rd to A min, up a 4th to D min, up a 4th to to G, down a 5th to C gives you I - vi - ii - V - I the classic "rhythm change"

C up a 2nd to D min, up a 2nd to E min, up a 2nd to F, up a 2nd to G and repeat gives you the I - ii - iii - IV - V chord stream.

Virtually all the well loved progressions follow the rule of thumb. Now reverse the rule. Try 2nds and 4ths down or 3rds and 5ths up. Not unknown but far from common.

Any site with some good harmonic analysis?