Myths about teaching can hold you back
- Year 10
- OCR
Developing a chord sequence
I can develop a chord sequence using broken chords and chord inversions.
- Year 10
- OCR
Developing a chord sequence
I can develop a chord sequence using broken chords and chord inversions.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Chord inversions and broken chords can add interest to a chord sequence without changing the harmony.
- Chord inversions change the root position triad so the root note is no longer the lowest note in the chord.
- Using chord inversions can make chord sequences easier to play and sound more melodic.
- Broken chords can add rhythmic interest to a chord sequence.
Keywords
Chord inversion - when the notes of a chord are reordered so that the root is not the lowest note
Triad - a standard 3-note chord, with notes a third apart
Root note - the bottom note in a triad, and the note the chord is named after (e.g. the note in a G chord)
Root position - a chord in which the root note is the lowest note
Broken chord - when the notes of a chord are not all played at the same time (in contrast to a block chord)
Common misconception
Using chord inversions for every chord will make the chord sequence more interesting.
Using some inversions can make the chord sequence more interesting, but too many can sound unusual. Starting and finishing with a root position chord can help to reinforce the key.
To help you plan your year 10 music lesson on: Developing a chord sequence, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 music lesson on: Developing a chord sequence, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 music lessons from the Fundamentals of composition unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
A DAW, notation software, a keyboard or other suitable instrument that can be used as a composition tool.
Licence
Lesson video
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