Harmonic rhythm: when chords change

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Form and flow

Harmonic rhythm describes the timing and rate of chord changes. Drums can keep the same pattern while harmony moves once per bar or every two beats, changing the sense of flow. More note attacks do not necessarily mean more harmonic changes: one arpeggio may prolong a single chord.

To reshape a section, try changing harmonic pace rather than only drum activity. Faster changes are not automatically more sophisticated. Coordinate them with melodic targets so they support the phrase rather than interrupt it.

Example

Holding one chord for two bars then changing more frequently creates a different pace from one chord per bar.

Try it

Can many notes be played while one chord lasts four bars?

Related topics

References

Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom

Subject-expert review pending.