Lesson 8 is now published: harmonic material and chord connections

Lesson 8 of the Harmony Course is now published in English and Spanish, with its video.

Finally, connecting chords

In Lesson 6 we built four-voice chords, and in Lesson 7 we practiced how each voice moves on its own. Now we bring both together: we connect two chords. It is the last step before the first chorale.

What you will learn

• The harmonic material of the major mode: which degrees we use and in which position, why six four is not used freely and why the seventh degree goes in six three.
• The general table of connections: which chords each one can go to, and the required continuations.
• The connection technique: the common tone, the six pairs of voices without parallels, and the leading tone in the soprano, which rises to the tonic.

Eight connections, eight keys

The assignment is eight two-chord connections: I–IV, IV–V, V–I, II–V, V–VI, VI–II, I–VII6/3 and IV6/3–V, each in a different major key of your choice. The Virtual Teacher recognizes the key of each connection and checks how the chords are built, how each voice moves, fifths and octaves, and the leading tone.

What's next

Lesson 9, on authentic, plagal, complete and extended cadences, is now under construction.

If you have questions or comments about the lessons, write to me from the contact page.

Luis Cárdenas