Module 8 · Intermediate

Harmony in a key

A key is more than a scale: it is a family of chords. This module builds that family, names its members by number, and shows how they pull on each other. That pull is what makes chord progressions move.

Before this module

Lessons

8.1
Diatonic triads
Build the seven triads of a major key and know their qualities.
Requires: 7.3, 5.4
8.2
Roman numerals
Name chords by their degree with Roman numerals so a progression works in any key.
Requires: 8.1
8.3
Chords of a minor key
Build the chords of a minor key and know why V is usually major.
Requires: 8.2, 6.4
8.4
Chord function
Group chords by their role (tonic, subdominant, dominant) and understand tension and release.
Requires: 8.3
8.5
Common progressions
Recognise and play the most common chord progressions in any key.
Requires: 8.4
8.6
Cadences
Recognise the main cadences and the bass motion in each.
Requires: 8.5

Tools for this module

Key Chords: The chords of every major and minor key, chosen on the circle of fifths, with bass boxes and common progressions.