Application of Chordal Harmony

Understanding Chordal Harmony

Chordal Harmony refers to the simultaneous sounding of three or more different pitches, creating a chord.
A chord’s harmonic function is its role within a musical key. In traditional harmony, these functions are based on the relationship of the chord to the tonic or root note of the key.
There are three basic harmonic functions: Tonic, Dominant and Subdominant. Each has its unique characteristics and tendencies.
The Tonic function refers to the home or resting point of a key, and it’s usually the first and last chord in a song or piece.
The Dominant function is the tension that seeks to resolve to the tonic, often seen as the fifth note of the scale.
The Subdominant function is a place of neutrality that can lead either to the tonic or the dominant.

Beyond basic triads, chords can be extended with additional notes like 7ths, 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths, adding layers of harmonic complexity.
The Major 7th chord gives a jazzy and sophisticated sound. Its formula is Root, 3rd, 5th, 7th of a major scale.
The Dominant 7th chord is often used in blues and rock. Its formula is Root, 3rd, 5th, b7th of a major scale.
The Minor 7th chord is used for adding some sorrow or darkness to the music. Its formula is Root, b3rd, 5th, b7th of a major scale.

Different music genres have their own favoured chordal formulas. Understanding these styles can enhance your songwriting skills and improvisation abilities.
In Pop and Rock, simple major and minor triads are often used, frequently combined with dominant 7ths for added colour.
Classical music is strongly grounded in harmonic functions, with intricate chord progressions making use of many chord types including diminished and augmented triads.
Chord cycles or consistent repeating progressions are common in Jazz, often with complex extended and altered chords.
Understanding harmonic functions and chord extensions provides a powerful tool for creating unique and interesting harmonies in composition and improvisation.

Remember, the application of chordal harmony is about creating a satisfying balance of tension and resolution to drive your music forward.