Along with its melody, music can typically be analyzed as series of chords. Often these chords occur in repeating progressions. In Western popular and traditional music, chord progressions usually consist of an even number of chords lasting 1, 2, or 4 measures each, over the course of 4, 8, 12, or 16 measures. Sections are typically characterized by an even number of repetitions of the progression, and new sections are often characterized by a change of chord progression.
Repeating a progression of chords within a song is an effective way to establish structure and continuity. Progressions can provide a stable harmonic context over which a melody changes, creates novelty, and expresses the majority of the song’s message.
While many songs follow the traditional tonic-predominant-dominant-tonic structure in the order of their chords, many do not, and an idea may be most effectively depicted by deviating from this order. Chords typically match the melody in terms of conclusive and inconclusive phrases; for example, a “question” phrase typically ends with a dominant chord, and an “answer” phrase with a tonic. Ending a phrase or section with the tonic provides a sense of finality; however, this is not always what a song seeks to communicate. At times, entire sections of a song will avoid returning to the tonic; although in most traditional music, songs at least begin and end with the tonic chord.
Understanding the role of the tonic allows one to use or avoid it intentionally. Becoming familiar with the most basic harmonic movements allows one to modify, expand, or contradict these patterns to most effectively communicate an idea.
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