Creating harmonic variety

Key learning points

1. Creating harmonic variety is an effective way to create a satisfying, interesting and balanced composition.
2. This applies across many genres and styles, but the way it is done varies.
3. In the Classical style, one effective method is to modulate to a closely-related key.
4. Using varied chords and cadences also creates harmonic variety.
5. Changing the harmonic rhythm and using devices such as dominant pedals can also be very effective.

Keywords

• Harmony - the way that notes combine to create chords and the way that these chords are used

• Harmonic rhythm - how often the chords change in a chord progression

• Dominant - chord V, which often resolves to chord I (the tonic)

• Pedal - when the bass note stays the same, with the chords/harmony changing above

Common misconception