Sometimes, we don’t even need lyrics to evoke emotion. Harmony, in particular, chord progressions, does a lot of the heavy lifting here. But, chord progressions are so much more than just a series of chords. They’re a series of tensions and resolutions. If we want to evoke emotion through our music, we need to know how to wield chord progressions.
A chord progression is a series of chords played in succession. It is the harmonic backbone of music, the sound of multiple notes played simultaneously, and it defines the relationship between different notes in terms of their harmonious quality.
In music theory, a chord progression is a series of chords played in order. Chord progressions constitute the harmony of a piece of music and one of the most important components of music theory. Melodies are the theme of music, while chord progressions are the foundation upon which the melodies are built upon.
Chords are constructed from scales, and they’re given meanings by their connection to keys. This establishes expectations in the ear. These expectations being resolved or held off create drama.
Tension and Resolution
A core element of harmony is that of tension and resolution. Some chords sound more final, others more unstable and demanding a resolution.
The tonic chord, which is based on the first scale degree, has a home like quality to it. It gives a sense of resolution, finality, completion. The dominant chord, which is based on the fifth scale degree, creates tension which has a strong tendency to resolve to the tonic. This tension and release is the basis of Western harmony.
As such, if the composer is able to play with the establishment of this expectation, they can exercise a degree of control over the pacing of the emotional response. A resolution provided in short order means a resolution that is clear and secure. A delayed resolution means a resolution that is anticipated and yearned for.
Now let’s look at the emotional characteristics of common progressions.
Certain chord progressions are clichés because they create a certain emotional response.
The I–IV–V progression has a straightforward, uplifting quality to it. It’s incredibly popular in folk, pop and rock because of its simplicity and finality.
The vi–IV–I–V is often used to create a melancholic or contemplative mood. It has a blend of major and minor chords, which makes the mood both melancholic and somewhat optimistic at the same time.
Most people agree that minor keys have an introspective, sad, or mysterious character. But that’s not always true. As with so many things in life, the key itself is just one factor at play. The tempo, instrumentation, and melody can all impact how we experience the harmony.
Chord Types: Major and Minor, the essence of mood.
Major and minor chords are one of the most effective emotional contrasts available to musicians.
For example, major chords are typically viewed as happy, solid, cheerful, whereas minor chords sound gloomy, melancholic, and emotional. That difference is due to the intervals that form those chords, mainly the third.
Interchanging major and minor chords and harmonies creates contrast. It adds a layer of intrigue. A switch from major to minor can shock and create more emotion.
Motion Using Functional Harmony
In functional harmony, chords are classified by function within a key. The three basic functions are tonic, predominant, and dominant.
Tonic chords establish a sense of resolution. Predominant chords set up the potential to move away from resolution. Dominant chords generate a sense of urgency to resolve back to the tonic.
Knowledge of these functions assists composers and songwriters in writing musically logical and appealing progressions. A progression that accords with these functions is more likely to sound coherent and natural, whereas a progression that departs from these functions is more likely to sound unexpected and novel.
The Magic of Repetition and Variation
Repetition provides a sense of comfort to the listener. A big part of what makes many of these songs work is the repeated chord progressions. It provides a constant, cohesive feel.
But there are slight differences so it isn’t completely repetitive. You can add suspensions, change the bass line, or rhythm to something repeating, and it will still sound like the same progression.
In other words, the addition of a seventh to a dominant chord creates dissonance. Inversions can facilitate a smoother resolution in the bass-line, rounding out the shape of the emotional arc.
Let’s talk about modal interchange and borrowed chords.
Finally, the most sophisticated approach to broadening the emotional color is to use modal interchange and take chords from parallel modes.
Borrowing a chord from the parallel minor in a major key adds interesting complexity. Using a minor iv chord in a major key can add a melancholic or wistful quality.
