Understanding Secondary Dominants in Music

Unlocking Extended Harmonic Techniques

• Secondary dominants are essential in extended harmonic techniques, used to create tension and interest in a progression, leading to a more resolved and fulfilling resolution.
• A secondary dominant is a dominant chord that resolves to a chord other than the tonic chord in a given key.
• Notation of secondary dominants uses Roman numerals to indicate the relationship of the chord to the tonic chord.

Function of Secondary Dominants

• Secondary dominants can function as predominants, introducing a chord before a tonic or subdominant chord to create a stronger sense of tonal movement and harmonic tension.
• Example: adding a D major chord (V/V) before the G chord in the key of C major to create an interesting transition.

Modulation and Key Changes

• Modulations and key changes are powerful tools in extended harmonic techniques, used to create musical interest and complexity.
• Techniques for modulating and changing keys include:
  • Pivot chords: shared chords that exist in both the current key and the key to which you want to modulate.
  • Chromatic modulations: transitioning between keys that are a half-step apart.
  • Sequential modulations: creating a series of modulations that move through a predefined pattern.
  • Modulating via secondary dominants: using secondary dominants to create smooth transitions to related or unrelated keys.

Modal Interchange

• Modal interchange involves borrowing chords from a different mode or key while staying in the original key.
• Understanding modes is essential before applying modal interchange.
• Techniques for modal interchange include:
  • Identifying parallel modes: modes that share the same tonic or starting note as the original key.
  • Borrowing chords: selecting chords from parallel modes to add color and tension to progressions.
  • Examples of modal interchange: borrowing chords from the Dorian mode in C major or the Mixolydian mode in G major.

Advanced Chord Progressions

• Advanced chord progressions involve exploring complex chord progressions to create intricate and captivating musical compositions.
• Techniques for advanced chord progressions include:
  • Modal interchange: borrowing chords from different modes and using them within the framework of a specific key.
  • Secondary dominants: introducing temporary dominant chords that lead to chords outside the key.
  • Altered chords: modifying chords by adding or subtracting certain notes.
  • Chord substitutions: replacing a particular chord in a progression with another chord that serves a similar harmonic function.
  • Extended and suspended chords: using chords that go beyond the conventional triads.
  • Voice leading: smoothly connecting individual chords within a progression.

Exploring Non-Traditional Harmonies

• Non-traditional harmonies offer a refreshing and unconventional approach to chord progressions.
• Techniques for non-traditional harmonies include:
  • Modal interchange: borrowing chords from parallel or related modes.
  • Chromaticism: using chromatic tones, notes outside the key, within chord progressions.
  • Extended chords: adding additional tones to create more complex and interesting harmonies.
  • Quartal harmony: using chords built on fourth intervals rather than traditional third intervals.
  • Polychords: layering two or more chords on top of each other.
  • Altered chords: modifying chords by raising or lowering certain scale degrees.
  • Polytonality: using two or more different keys or tonal centers simultaneously.

Harmonic Dissonance and Tension

• Harmonic dissonance and tension add depth, complexity, and emotional impact to compositions.
• Techniques for harmonic dissonance and tension include:
  • Definition of dissonance: the quality of sound that is unstable or creates a feeling of tension in music.
  • Tension and release: building tension and resolving it to create a compelling emotional journey.
  • Consonance and dissonance in chord progressions: blending consonant and dissonant chords to create dynamic tension and release.
  • Dissonant intervals and melody: incorporating dissonant intervals in melodies to add a sense of unpredictability and tension.
  • Extension and altered chords: using extended and altered chords to introduce additional dissonance into chord voicings.
  • Dissonance as a tool for resolution: moving from a dissonant chord or interval to a consonant one to create a satisfying sense of closure and release.
  • Balancing dissonance and consonance: striking a balance between the two to create engaging and captivating harmonies.