progression – Untempered Music

Mixolydian Matchsticks

ByGary July 20, 2013August 25, 2017

In yesterday’s post I mentioned matchstick harmony. This concept is from Mathieu’s book Harmonic Experience, which I’ve discussed a lot on this blog. Matchstick harmony is governed by a rule: It’s easiest for the ear to follow harmonies that move short distances on the lattice. Imagine that the lines of the lattice are matchsticks. The…

Just Intonation | Recordings | The Lattice | The Notes | Tonal Gravity

To the Far Northwest

ByGary June 22, 2013August 25, 2017

The chorus of Be Love is solidly in major territory. The chords are I, V, IV, the classic backbone chords of the major scale. The verse, however, is going to be back in the Northwest — I, bVII-, IV. I have to get back over there somehow, and I want to lead the ear strongly so…