Minor Key Harmony - Music Theory

Music Matters

5 Mar 202023:20

EducationalLearning

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TLDRThe instructor explains how harmonizing melodies in minor keys can be challenging due to the melodic and harmonic forms of the minor scale. He advises using the harmonic minor when harmonizing and the melodic minor when writing melodies to avoid augmented intervals. He demonstrates harmonizing a sample melody in G minor by mapping chord choices to melody notes while avoiding parallel motion. He checks for forbidden consecutives between parts and adds interest with non-chord tones. The goal is to provide an overview of strategies for effectively harmonizing melodies in minor keys.

Takeaways

😀 Harmonizing in minor keys is more complex than major keys due to melodic and harmonic forms of the scale
👍🏻 Use harmonic minor when writing chords, melodic minor when writing melodies
💡 The augmented 2nd interval between the 6th and 7th scale degrees causes dissonance in melodies
🎹 Raise the 6th and 7th scale degrees ascending in melodic minor to avoid the augmented 2nd
🔑 Remember to raise the 7th degree (leading note) when harmonizing in minor keys, especially for chords III, V and VII
❗️ Chord III is usually avoided in minor keys as it is an augmented triad
🎼 Look for cadences first when harmonizing, then fill in remaining chords
✏️ Contrary motion between upper and lower parts helps avoid parallel intervals
🖍️ Color chords with 7ths, 9ths etc for interest; use passing notes to embellish
🌈 End a minor key with a Picardy 3rd (major I) for a brighter finish

Q & A

Why is harmonizing in a minor key more difficult than in a major key?
-It's more difficult because there is more complexity in dealing with the harmonic minor scale versus the melodic minor scale, and knowing when to use each one. The augmented second interval that occurs between the 6th and 7th degrees of the harmonic minor scale also creates awkward melodic movements that need to be handled.
What are the three types of cadences mentioned in the passage?
-The three cadence types mentioned are perfect cadences, plagal cadences, and interrupted cadences.
When using a diminished chord, what inversion is recommended?
-When using a diminished chord, it is recommended to put it in first inversion rather than root position, because it tends to sound better.
What chord degree is commonly forgotten to be raised in minor keys?
-The 7th degree of the scale is commonly forgotten to be raised in chords III, V, and VII in minor keys.
What is the difference between harmonic minor and melodic minor scales?
-The harmonic minor scale is used for building chords and has a raised 7th degree. The melodic minor scale raises both the 6th and 7th degrees when ascending to avoid the awkward augmented 2nd interval, but when descending uses the natural minor scale.
What chord options contain the note G in the key of G minor?
-The chord options containing G in G minor are I (tonic), IV (subdominant), and VI (submediant).
How can parallel fifths or octaves be avoided when harmonizing?
-Using contrary motion between voices, such as similar motion but by a different interval, can help avoid parallel fifths/octaves. Also, inverting chords can change the bass line movement to avoid this.
What is the purpose of using non-chord tones and passing notes?
-Non-chord tones like passing notes add color, tension, and interest to the harmony. They also help create smooth connections between chords and keep the music moving.
What chord alternatives were considered for the second cadence?
-Alternatives considered for the second cadence were using chords I, IV, or VI. VI was chosen to form an interrupted cadence and add interest.
What is a tierce de picarde?
-A tierce de picarde is when the final chord in a minor key work is made major instead of minor. This surprise picardy third creates an uplifting ending.

Outlines

00:00

🎵 Introduction to concepts of minor keys

Minor keys have more complex harmonization than major keys due to use of melodic vs harmonic minors. Writer introduces concepts of harmonic minor for chords and melodic minor for melodies, and need to handle clashes between them.

05:01

💡 Demonstration using diatonic chords

Writer will harmonize a simple 4-bar melody in G minor using basic diatonic chords, focusing on cadences first. Will use an interrupted cadence to ask a question, and perfect cadence to answer.

10:05

👨‍🏫 Step-by-step chord choices

Writer methodically chooses chords to harmonize melody, considering options for each note and eliminating choices. Aims for contrary motion between parts, balance of inversions, and avoids problematic intervals.

15:07

🎹 Filling in inner voices

Once chord choices made, writer fills in alto, tenor lines considering melodic intervals and avoiding consecutive 5ths/8ths between parts. Makes adjustments to improve contrary motion and flow.

20:07

🎉 Final polished harmonization

Presents final harmonized melody with passing tones to embellish. Notes further options like Picardy third to end on major tonic. Summarizes goal of demonstrating minor key harmonization process.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Harmonic minor scale

The harmonic minor scale is a type of minor scale that is commonly used when harmonizing melodies in minor keys. It differs from the natural minor scale by having a raised 7th degree. This provides a stronger pull to the tonic chord and creates a dominant-tonic relationship, making harmonization smoother.

💡Melodic minor scale

The melodic minor scale is a variation of the minor scale used when writing melodies to avoid the augmented 2nd interval between the 6th and 7th degrees of the harmonic minor scale. The 6th and 7th degrees are raised when ascending, but left natural when descending.

💡Chord progression

A chord progression refers to a sequence of chords used to harmonize a melody. The video discusses principles for selecting chords and building effective progressions to harmonize in a minor key, like using cadences and choosing chords based on the melody notes.

💡Cadence

A cadence is a chord progression that creates a sense of closure, pause or finality in music. Cadences establish tonality and mark the end of phrases. Common cadences mentioned are perfect (V-I), plagal (IV-I) and interrupted (VI-V).

💡Consecutive fifths/octaves

Consecutive perfect fifths/octaves between two musical parts are considered undesirable in counterpoint. They create parallel motion and weaken independence of the parts. The video demonstrates checking for consecutive 5ths/8ves.

💡Roman numeral analysis

Roman numerals are used to represent chords in a key. Uppercase numerals indicate major chords while lowercase numerals indicate minor chords. The video uses roman numeral analysis to label the chords in the key of G minor.

💡Inversions

Inversions refer to the rearrangement of chord tones such that a note other than the root appears in the bass. Inversions help vary the bass line. The video uses first inversions for diminished chords and to avoid parallel perfect intervals.

💡Voice leading

Voice leading refers to the smooth movement of individual melodic lines or voices in harmony. Good voice leading avoids awkward intervals and creates independent melodic lines.

💡Counterpoint

Counterpoint involves the combination of simultaneous melodic lines that complement each other harmonically. The video demonstrates basic principles of counterpoint, like contrary motion and avoiding parallel perfect intervals.

💡Non-chord tones

Non-chord tones are notes that are not part of the prevailing harmony but are used to embellish the melody. The video uses passing tones and neighbor tones to decorate the melodic lines.

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Transcripts

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