Published:
2003-01-01
Updated:
2023-06-09
Learning Ukulele with Curt
Harmonic Analysis for Scale and Chord Selection
Harmonic Analysis (HA), also known as the study of chord relationships, is the method used to identify the harmonic role of chords within a chord progression or song. A chord progression refers to a sequence of chords, with each chord having a root note and belonging to a specific chord type. The function of a chord within a particular scale's tonality is determined by its relationship to that scale.
Main Category: Theory Main Instrument: Ukulele
6 August 2026
Harmonic Analysis (HA) also known as the study of chord relationships, is the method used to identify the harmonic role of chords within a chord progression or song. A chord progression refers to a sequence of chords, with each chord having a root note and belonging to a specific chord type. The function of a chord within a particular scale's tonality is determined by its relationship to that scale.
Harmonic Analysis - Basic Concepts
Harmonic Analysis (HA) is the process used to determine the harmonic function of chords within a chord progression, song or composition. A chord progression is defined as a sequence of chords, with each chord having a root and a particular chord type. The relationship of a chord's root to a scale determines its function within that scale's tonality. Once a chord's function is identified, scale selections along with chord and scale substitutions are made. We call this process Root Movement Analysis (RMA).
Harmonic Analysis - Full Diatonic
Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution. This lesson covers the Full Diatonic harmonic principle.
Harmonic Analysis - Internal Modulation
Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution.
This lesson covers the Internal Modulation harmonic principle.
Harmonic Analysis - Unresolved
Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution. This lesson covers the Unresolved harmonic principle.
Harmonic Analysis - Chromatic
Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution.
This lesson covers the Chromatic harmonic principle.
Harmonic Analysis - Cycles
Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution.
This lesson covers the Cycles harmonic principle.
Harmonic Analysis - Scale Selection
Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution.
This lesson covers the vertical and horizontal scale selection.
Harmonic Analysis - Common Chord Progressions
Common chord progression are simply the sequence of chords that contiounly show up in various styles of music and common keys.
Download the PDF lessons files for the complete lesson.
For a thorough listing of common chord progressions see my book The Advanced Guide to Chord Progressions - Vol I and II.
Volume I deals with chord progressions using the Full Diatonic, Partial Diatonic and Chromatic harmonic principles.
Volume II deals with Internal Modulation, Unresolved and Cycle principles.
Harmonic Analysis - Worksheet and Examples
Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution. This lesson contains a blank worksheet and several completed examples using standards from the jazz repertoire.
Series Info
Theory
Ukulele
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