Harmonic Progressions

Hi! I humbly try to give you an answer:

Chord progressions are simple sequences of chords that are often found in songs but have multiple variations! I believe that, above all, one must get used to listening to tracks one by one without necessarily having to refer back to pre-established chord progressions. What matters most is the study of harmony, which is a very vast and complex subject (enough to drive you crazy... I'd say there are some great textbooks to read)!

Which chord progressions do you know?

Furthermore, I believe that many composers and authors always try to create variations precisely so as not to become banal: personally, if I listen to a new song and sense a 1-6-2-5, I immediately feel discouraged because it makes me nauseous and is far too predictable! Not because it isn't beautiful, let's be clear!

The key is chosen based on the vocal range of the performing singer, if it is a song; in the case of instrumental compositions, the key is adapted to the instrument/s for which said score is intended.

I hope I haven't confused your ideas even more! Wait also for the responses from others

Lorenzo

Correct!

I know the harmonic progressions of the various scales, for example the C major progression: C maj, A min, D min, G7

but what is the point of knowing them by heart? In my opinion, it makes more sense to know the scales by heart and three-voice harmonizations initially, and to study songs... instead, in methods I always find learning harmonic progressions by heart... why?

Methods usually tend to greatly simplify what is "harmony" because otherwise it would no longer be a method but a harmony book, and the enthusiast wouldn't read it due to discouragement 🙂.

Studying scales is good for both piano technique and theory, but it's not all that is needed! You must listen a lot while analyzing the harmonic progression of the piece/song. Try to listen to the bass line, which in my opinion helps quite a bit.

I don't think learning harmonic progressions in all keys helps much. Study the scale degrees and how a chord is constructed and the intervals of which it is composed. For example, if you have studied all the scales and know that a major chord consists, starting from the tonic (1st degree), of a major third interval (2 tones) and a minor third (1 semitone + 1 tone), you will be able to take it in all keys without problems.

There would be much to say because the variables at play are multiple and dependent on the musical style.

Good luck with your work 🙂

Lorenzo