4-2 Harmonic Composition Explained

Key Concepts

4-2 Harmonic Composition refers to the process of creating a musical piece using a specific harmonic structure that involves four primary chords and two secondary chords. This technique is essential for building a balanced and coherent musical composition.

1. Primary Chords

The primary chords in a 4-2 Harmonic Composition are typically the I, IV, V, and vi chords of a major scale. These chords provide the foundational harmonic structure of the piece.

• I (Tonic): The root chord of the key, providing a sense of stability and resolution.
• IV (Subdominant): The fourth degree chord, creating a sense of tension and movement towards the dominant.
• V (Dominant): The fifth degree chord, generating a strong sense of tension that resolves back to the tonic.
• vi (Relative Minor): The sixth degree chord, adding a minor harmonic flavor and providing contrast.

2. Secondary Chords

The secondary chords in a 4-2 Harmonic Composition are typically the ii and iii chords. These chords support the primary chords and add depth to the harmonic progression.

• ii (Supertonic): The second degree chord, often used to create a smooth transition between the tonic and dominant.
• iii (Mediant): The third degree chord, providing a minor harmonic flavor and adding variety to the progression.

Examples and Analogies

Think of the primary chords as the main characters in a story, each with distinct roles and personalities. The I chord is the protagonist, providing stability and resolution. The IV and V chords are the antagonists, creating tension and driving the narrative forward. The vi chord is the supporting character, adding depth and contrast.

The secondary chords, ii and iii, are like sidekicks, providing support and adding layers to the main characters' story. They help to create a richer and more engaging harmonic narrative.

Practical Application

To practice 4-2 Harmonic Composition, start by writing a simple chord progression using the primary chords (I, IV, V, vi) in a major key. For example, a common progression might be I - IV - V - I. Then, introduce the secondary chords (ii, iii) to add variety and depth. For instance, you might use the ii chord to transition from the I chord to the V chord, or the iii chord to add a minor flavor to the progression.

Experiment with different keys and progressions to understand how the primary and secondary chords interact and create harmonic interest. This will help you develop a deeper understanding of harmonic composition and enhance your musical creativity.