Major and minor chords look like triangles on the lattice. They are closed loops, which I think contributes to their stable feeling. Up a major third, up a minor third, and down a fifth (due West on the lattice) brings you right back where you started. The intervals interlock, and they are all consonant, reinforcing…
A chord is a collection of three or more notes sounded at the same time. Arpeggios, in which the notes are sounded one after the other, are considered chords too. Two notes sounded at once are generally called an interval rather than a chord. Chords make patterns on the lattice. A given kind of chord…
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…