Speaking of Harmony

In this episode I address a question regarding sequences - I do show how I use them (diatonic vs non-diatonic), give some examples and play through a recent tune I composed that it's all about sequences. enjoy!

In this episode I highlight some possibilities of combining Oblique Motion through chord progression. Another option in addition to progressions using parallel or/and contrary motion. Enjoy!

In this episode I talk about how you can use chord inversions to help creating movement along with non-harmonic tones (passing tones and appoggiaturas in particular), and how you can combine it all and achieve nice and dynamic chord progressions. Enjoy!

In this episode I explore some possibilities of voice leading through descending chromatic chords - Always a pretty challenging thing - trying to create connections over chords that are moving chromatically in parallel motion. Enjoy!

In this episode I address a specific question: Do I only play the melody on the top voice (soprano)? The Answer: No I don't, of course. I dive in the process of moving the melody through voices, either from a conscious effort (planning it beforehand in the arrangement) or/and a circumstantial (running out of range while playing the melody on a middle/low register). Enjoy!

In this episode I talk about a very specific way of achieving movement within the harmony layers - swapping voices within the chord, making use of chromatic descending lines, etc. All taking place inside the chord. It's a far more detailed procedure that I use a lot, heading into the voice leading territory. Enjoy!

In this episode I dive into Appogiaturas, a non-harmonic tone, and how you can articulate it as a whole chord - most particularly the diminished chord in the case of this episode. I show some examples where it occurs on a few great Brazilian standards and give some hints on how to apply it on any particular song you might be interested in. Enjoy!

In this episode I talk about one of the great traits of Milton Nascimento's harmony: His use of triads over pedals. Such a beautiful and colorful device and so effective. I show how he uses it both on a more diatonic/voice leading context and also on a more descending/ascending chromatic way. Enjoy!

In this episode I use the amazing Pat Metheny piece "See The World" as an example of Parallel Harmony, where the chords are moving all in parallel motion and how it's also used in sequence - An opposite approach to the more diatonic/voice leading one but, nonetheless, in which similar principles are still at play. In addition to that I talk a bit about how to approach improvisation within the form, specially for being one of the most challenging pieces of music to solo on. Enjoy!

In this episode I talk about a very subtle and really great movement that happens on a few compositions by Lyle Mays and Pat Metheny, where major 7th chords transitions into dominant chords as a result of great voice leading. Some other occurrence is when they straight up switch major chords for dominant chords playing the same melody, applying this beautiful new color to the progression. Enjoy it!