Harmony vs Harmony

[diijay]

Hi guys,

I was wondering which harmony is the one used today by songwriters of pop, r&b, rock.

Classical Harmony or Functional Harmony taught in Jazz?

I know is good to know the rules of classical, counterpoint , voice leading, but nowadays composers bend those rules regularly.

I heard good things about this book Twentieth-Century Harmony: Creative Aspects and Practice (http://www.amazon.com/Twentieth-Century ... 0393095398), but I was told several things on that book is outdated since this was written in the 1960's.

So what is a good book for today's harmony?

[jlocri]

With a bit of thoughtfulness, I don't see why you can't use both. Knowledge is power and gaining knowledge in a digital age is relatively easy, so if you're interested it shouldn't be too far out of your road to learn both. I can honestly say though, jazz harmonies are easier to understand than classical harmonies, so perhaps start with jazz?

I was told several things on that book is outdated since this was written in the 1960's.

Good music from before the 1960s is still good music, regardless of if it's dated. Crappy music from this year is still crappy music, even if it's fresh.

Music doesn't have an expiry date, it's not a consumable.

[jancivil]

I heard good things about this book Twentieth-Century Harmony: Creative Aspects and Practice (http://www.amazon.com/Twentieth-Century ... 0393095398), but I was told several things on that book is outdated since this was written in the 1960's.

Well, chances are high most or all of the 20th c. harmonic innovations in that book will be completely new to you.

there isn't a terrific amt. of novelty in harmony that exceeds the 1960's in 20th century music. I don't think you quite grasp the idea of what's in that book. If '20th century harmony' means to you something to do with pop music, that book is going to be alien for you.

[KLS]

I have this book and I can tell you it is NOT about writing pop music. If you want a good book on pop songwriting, I would suggest "Writing Music for Hit Songs" by Jai Josefs. http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Music-Son ... 594&sr=1-1

Also, NOTHING in the book you mentioned is "out of date".