Changing Chords Rule
03.24.2020 - By Kate & Ray Harmony
Download our free app to listen on your phone
Changing Chords Rule
Are your chord progressions a bit boring? Well don’t worry, cos in this tutorial you’ll learn the one thing you need to change in order to bring your chord progressions to life. And, it only takes a few seconds to change! But first… Tea.
Hello revolutionary music makers, we are Kate and Ray Harmony (AKA Revolution Harmony), and welcome to Hack Music Theory, where we help you make great music that stands out! And if you’re new to theory, or if you just want a refresher, then read our free book “12 Music Theory Hacks to Learn Scales & Chords”. It’ll give you a super solid theory foundation in just 30 minutes.
Wooohooo!!! You’re a mere 30 minutes away from being even smarter than you already are. Just head on over to your inbox now for your free download.
There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.
“The most brilliant, fast, easy & fun music theory book I’ve ever seen!” DEREK SIVERS, CD Baby founder
We use this field to detect spam bots. If you fill this in, you will be marked as a spammer.
DOWNLOAD FREE BOOK
/* Layout */
.ck_form {
/* divider image */
background: #EAE9EA url(data:image/gif;base64,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) repeat-y center top;
font-family: 'Montserrat';
line-height: 1.5em;
overflow: hidden;
color: #000000;
font-size: 16px;
border-top: none;
border-top-color: #666666;
border-bottom: none;
border-bottom-color: #3d3d3d;
-webkit-box-shadow: none;
-moz-box-shadow: none;
box-shadow: none;
clear: both;
margin: 0px 0px;
}
.ck_form, .ck_form * {
-webkit-box-sizing: border-box;
-moz-box-sizing: border-box;
box-sizing: border-box;
}
#ck_subscribe_form {
clear: both;
}
/* Element Queries — uses JS */
.ck_form_content, .ck_form_fields {
width: 50%;
float: left;
padding: 5%;
}
.ck_form.ck_horizontal {
}
.ck_form_content {
border-bottom: none;
}
.ck_form.ck_vertical {
background: #fff;
}
.ck_vertical .ck_form_content, .ck_vertical .ck_form_fields {
padding: 10%;
width: 100%;
float: none;
}
.ck_vertical .ck_form_content {
border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
overflow: hidden;
}
/* Trigger the vertical layout with media queries as well */
@media all and (max-width: 499px) {
.ck_form {
background: #fff;
}
.ck_form_content, .ck_form_fields {
padding: 10%;
width: 100%;
float: none;
}
.ck_form_content {
border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
}
}
/* Content */
.ck_form_content h3 {
margin: 0px 0px 0px;
font-size: 0px;
padding: 0px;
}
.ck_form_content p {
font-size: 14px;
}
.ck_image {
float: left;
margin-right: 5px;
}
/* Form fields */
.ck_errorArea {
display: none;
}
#ck_success_msg {
padding: 10px 10px 0px;
border: solid 1px #ddd;
background: #eee;
}
.ck_label {
font-size: 14px;
font-weight: bold;
}
.ck_form input[type="text"] {
font-size: 16px;
text-align: center;
margin-top: 20px;
margin-bottom: 0px;
padding: 8px 8px;
width: 100%;
border: 1px solid #d6d6d6; /* stroke */
-moz-border-radius: 4px;
-webkit-border-radius: 4px;
border-radius: 30px; /* border radius */
background-color: #fff; /* layer fill content */
height: auto;
}
.ck_form input[type="email"] {
font-size: 16px;
text-align: center;
margin-top: 0px;
margin-bottom: 15px;
padding: 8px 8px;
width: 100%;
border: 1px solid #d6d6d6; /* stroke */
-moz-border-radius: 4px;
-webkit-border-radius: 4px;
border-radius: 30px; /* border radius */
background-color: #fff; /* layer fill content */
height: auto;
}
.ck_form input[type="text"]:focus, .ck_form input[type="email"]:focus {
outline: none;
border-color: #aaa;
}
.ck_checkbox {
padding: 10px 0px 10px 20px;
display: block;
clear: both;
}
.ck_checkbox input.optIn {
margin-left: -20px;
margin-top: 0;
}
.ck_form .ck_opt_in_prompt {
margin-left: 4px;
}
.ck_form .ck_opt_in_prompt p {
display: inline;
}
.ck_form .ck_subscribe_button {
width: 100%;
color: #fff;
margin: 0px 0px 0px;
padding: 8px 8px;
font-size: 18px;
background: #d74128;
-moz-border-radius: 4px;
-webkit-border-radius: 4px;
border-radius: 30px; /* border radius */
cursor: pointer;
border: none;
text-shadow: none;
}
.ck_form .ck_guarantee {
color: #626262;
font-size: 12px;
text-align: center;
padding: 5px 0px;
display: block;
}
.ck_form .ck_powered_by {
display: block;
color: #aaa;
}
.ck_form .ck_powered_by:hover {
display: block;
color: #444;
}
.ck_converted_content {
display: none;
padding: 5%;
background: #fff;
}
/* v6 */
.ck_form_v6 #ck_success_msg {
padding: 0px 10px;
}
@media all and (max-width: 403px) {
.ck_form_v6.ck_modal .ck_close_link {
top: 30px;
}
}
@media all and (min-width: 404px) and (max-width: 499px) {
.ck_form_v6.ck_modal .ck_close_link {
top: 57px;
}
}
Scroll down to listen to the podcast episode of this tutorial.
So here’s a chord progression that’s similar to a few songs we heard in the new releases this week. It’s in the key of A minor, so that’s all the white notes from A to A, and the chords are: Am→Em→Cmaj→Dsus2 (hear example in video/podcast). It sounds pretty good, cos we’ve re-arranged the notes around the common note E, which is on top of every chord. By the way, if you wanna learn about that, check out our Songwriting & Producing PDF. So yeah, these chords all flow smoothly into each other, and that’s the main reason why it sounds nice. But (and it’s a big but!), if you listen to this chord progression a few times, it gets boring real quick!
MIDI Screenshot: Solid but boring chord progression (Am→Em→Cmaj→Dsus2)
This example highlights how you can have a really solid chord progression, yet it still isn’t enough to catch the listener’s attention. So, what’s missing from this chord progression? Rhythm! Well, to be precise: harmonic rhythm. Harmonic rhythm is simply the rhythm of the chords in your progression. You can think of it as where each chord starts, and how long it lasts. Now, most songwriters and producers don’t know about harmonic rhythm, so they just do it by ear, which almost always results in a predictable harmonic rhythm. And a predictable harmonic rhythm is one of the best ways to bore your listeners. That’s why we’re sharing this hack with you, cos friends don’t let friends use boring harmonic rhythms!
Okay let’s get to it! Start by setting up a loop that contains at least two cycles of your chord progression. Why not one? Well, most songwriters and producers just loop their chord progression as it is, which means their harmonic rhythm is the same every time their chord progression repeats. Unless you have an incredibly interesting chord progression though, that’s also gonna get boring real quick! This hack essentially turns a two-bar progression into a four-bar progression, or a four-bar progression into an eight-bar progression. So, to take your chord progressions to the next level, use a different harmonic rhythm every second time.
Right, now it’s time to create your two interesting harmonic rhythms, one for each progression in your loop. Depending on your tempo, you’ll probably want the grid set to 1/8 notes, but if your BPM is really slow, then set your grid to 1/16 notes. Next, just play around with moving the starting point and ending point of each chord, and see where that takes you. There are no rules, but we recommend finding a balance between chords that start on the beat, and chords that start off the beat. This approach will keep your progression accessible, but also super fresh!
MIDI Screenshot: By simply changing the harmonic rhythm, that boring progression is now totally captivating!
And remember: Everything is connected! So the bonus of having an interesting harmonic rhythm, is that it will result in a far more creative lead melody on top of your chord progression, and a far more captivating bass line and drum beat underneath. This hack is about a lot more than just your chord progression! Alright, now let’s have a listen to the Before & After of our progression, so you can hear the massive difference that an interesting harmonic rhythm makes (hear example in video/podcast). Just before the playthrough though, we’d love to share one more thing with you.
Next
Regarding the current situation around the world. As music teachers, we can’t offer much help through this difficult time. However, as most people are now stuck at home, what we can offer, is a meaningful and productive timeout from the difficulties. It’s with that intention in our hearts that we offer you 50% OFF our online course Apprenticeship #1. It contains 17 hours of video that teach every step of the writing process, from blank screen to finished song. You will literally learn everything you need to know in order to write great songs, and finish them! We know that most people are sadly on unpaid leave right now, so we hope this half-price offer helps alleviate some suffering, and we truly hope you and your families are all safe and healthy. Lastly, please remember that music is magic, so keep pumping those uplifting tunes! Thanks for being here, and until next time, happy songwriting and producing.
Want More?
Sign up for our newsletter, and get tutorials like this delivered to your inbox.
Wooohooo!!! You're now one small step away from joining the Hack Music Theory revolution. Just head on over to your inbox, open the email we've sent you, click the link to confirm, and you're in!
There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.
Email Address
SUBSCRIBE
/* Layout */
.ck_form.ck_naked {
/* divider image */
background: transparent;
line-height: 1.5em;
overflow: hidden;
color: #666;
font-size: 16px;
border: none;
-webkit-box-shadow: none;
-moz-box-shadow: none;
box-shadow: none;
clear: both;
margin: 0px 0px;
text-align: center;
}
.ck_form.ck_naked p {
padding: 0px;
}
.ck_form, .ck_form * {
-webkit-box-sizing: border-box;
-moz-box-sizing: border-box;
box-sizing: border-box;
}
.ck_form.ck_naked .ck_form_fields {
width: 100%;
float: left;
padding: 3%;
}
/* Form fields */
.ck_errorArea {
display: none; /* temporary */
}
#ck_success_msg {
padding: 10px 10px 0px;
border: solid 1px #ddd;
background: #eee;
}
.ck_form.ck_naked input[type="text"], .ck_form.ck_naked input[type="email"] {
font-size: 16px;
font-family: Montserrat;
text-align: center;
padding: 10px 8px;
width: 34%;
border: 1px solid #d6d6d6; /* stroke */
-moz-border-radius: 0px;
-webkit-border-radius: 0px;
border-radius: 30px; /* border radius */
background-color: #fff; /* layer fill content */
margin-bottom: 5px;
height: auto;
float: left;
margin: 0px;
margin-right: 1%;
height: 42px;
}
.ck_form input[type="text"]:focus, .ck_form input[type="email"]:focus {
outline: none;
border-color: #aaa;
}
.ck_form.ck_naked .ck_subscribe_button {
width: 100%;
color: #fff;
margin: 0px;
padding: 9px 0px;
font-size: 16px;
background: #d6432c;
-moz-border-radius: 0px;
-webkit-border-radius: 0px;
border-radius: 30px; /* border radius */
cursor: pointer;
border: none;
text-shadow: none;
width: 30%;
float: left;
height: 42px;
}
.ck_converted_content {
display: none;
padding: 5%;
background: #fff;
}
/* max width 500 */
.ck_form.ck_naked.width500 .ck_subscribe_button {
width: 100%;
float: none;
margin-top: 5px;
}
.ck_form.ck_naked.width500 input[type="text"], .ck_form.ck_naked.width500 input[type="email"] {
width: 49%;
}
.ck_form.ck_naked.width500 input[type="email"] {
margin-right: 0px;
width: 50%;
}
/* max width 400 */
.ck_form.ck_naked.width400 .ck_subscribe_button, .ck_form.ck_naked.width400 input[type="text"], .ck_form.ck_naked.width400 input[type="email"] {
width: 100%;
float: none;
margin-top: 5px;
}
.ck_slide_up, .ck_modal, .ck_slide_up .ck_naked, .ck_modal .ck_naked {
min-width: 400px;
}
.page .ck_form.ck_naked {
margin: 50px auto;
max-width: 700px;
}
/* v6 */
.ck_slide_up.ck_form_v6, .ck_modal.ck_form_v6, .ck_slide_up.ck_form_v6 .ck_naked, .ck_modal.ck_form_v6 .ck_naked {
min-width: 0 !important;
}
.ck_form_v6 #ck_success_msg {
padding: 0px 10px;
}
@media all and (max-width: 403px) {
.ck_form_v6.ck_modal .ck_naked {
padding-top: 0px;
}
}
@media all and (max-width: 499px) {
.ck_form_v6.ck_modal .ck_naked + .ck_close_link {
color: #fff;
top: 10px;
}
}
.ck_form_v6.ck_slide_up .ck_naked + .ck_close_link {
right: 10px;
top: -5px;
}
@media all and (min-width: 600px) {
.ck_form_v6.ck_slide_up .ck_naked + .ck_close_link {
right: 35px;
}
}
Podcast
Listen below, or on any podcast app.