Chord Progression and Cadences Microlesson

Introduction to Chord Progression and Cadences

Chord progressions are chords that lead from one to another. Certain chords, or chord progressions, sound pleasing when moving to one another, where others may not. Chords and chord progressions help maintain tonality and harmony, or challenge tonality and harmony, through their movement. Usually, the objective of a chord progression is to arrive back at the I, or Tonic chord. This reinforces the harmonic stability of the composition. How the phrase ends is referred to as the cadence. The cadence provides a feeling of instability or resolution and finality. In this section, we will examine chords and chord progressions.

Lesson Key Terms:

Natural Minor Scales: This scale uses the same tonic as the major scale. To create a natural minor scale, use lowered third; lowered sixth; and lowered seventh degrees from the major scale.
Harmonic Minor Scale: The harmonic minor scale has two lowered scale degrees, the 3rd degree and 6th degree. Using the major scale as a foundation, lower the 3rd and 6th degrees of the major scale. The result is the Harmonic Minor Scale.
Melodic Minor Scale: This is the most unusual minor scale because it has distinct parts for ascending and descending. When ascending, the Melodic Minor Scale only lowers the 3^rd scale degree; but when descending, the 3^rd, 6^th, and 7^th degrees are lowered, which is technically using the Natural Minor Scale.

Explore

Watch the video presentation below to learn more about this topic. Prepare to take notes and use the navigational buttons at the bottom of the video to pause, rewind, or move forward. Move forward to the challenge section to review your understanding.

Click here to download a printable copy of the presentation video.

Challenge

Chord Progression and Cadences Challenge Review

See how well you understand the content for this lesson by participating in the self-assessment activity below.

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