4

This monday, as I started my 'song a week' routine, I came up with this lovely chord progression (listed below). It is clearly some form of E, and I could go as far as to say it's a major scale. (The chords were named with the help of an app so I committed no mistakes).

Eb-F-Bb-F-G (listed as Ebadd9)
D-F-Bb-F-G (listed as Gm7/D)
C#-F-Bb-F-G (listed as Bbm6/C#)
C-Eb-G-Bb (listed as Cm7)

As it is evident, the first three chords vary only at the 'bass note' (?), with Eb, D and then C#. The fourth chord was an attempt to alleviate the tension and direct it to the root.

Is there a name for this type of variation? Has this scale a formal name?

When it ends, the last chord I play is a lone D7 (D-F#-C-D-A) to create unresolved tension. Should I play a Ddim7 instead, for theory purposes?

Improve this question
9
  • Looks more like a modulation from Eb or Bb to F, to diminished, and so on.
    – Carl Witthoft
    Apr 19, 2017 at 13:24
  • Is it relevant that it is the only chord progression I have during the whole song? (the song is three verses long)
    – condosz
    Apr 19, 2017 at 13:33
  • 5
    Never do anything for theory purposes. Alway do the thing that sounds right.
    – Todd Wilcox
    Apr 19, 2017 at 13:41
  • That 3rd chord should have been called Bbm6/Db. Where did you source it?
    – Tim
    Apr 19, 2017 at 13:59
  • 4
    "The chords were named with the help of an app so I committed no mistakes" The (big) mistake you make was assuming the app understood what was going on musically. These aren't "chords that need to be named" - they are a single chord, over a moving bass line. The names don't tell you anything useful about their function - apparently, the app is just finding the "best" name for each combination of notes, taken out of the context of the rest of the music.
    – user19146
    Apr 19, 2017 at 14:25

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
0

Not sure what you mean by 'I could go as far as to say it's a major scale'? There's a descending chromatic scale in the bass. That's a very strong element in the progression, so much so that it would be surprising if the scale didn't continue at least as far as Bb. The bass line is so strong that it would justify almost any harmonies that fitted it. Even the simplistic planing chords in my second example. Though I feel we're travelling towards a tonic at the Bb this time. What do you think?

Beware of chord-naming 'apps'. Chord naming is often very much affected by context. And yours has made one glaring mistake - how can a Bbm6 chord possibly include C#? I could be cruel and say that if you don't see why it has to be Db, you're not ready to start analyzing harmony. But I won't :-)

enter image description here

Improve this answer
3
  • It looks like "Bbm6/C#" means a Bb minor sixth with an added C#. So, perhaps the chord app has simply failed to analyze the enharmonic Db when the input is a C#. On the other hand, if that is the case, "Gm7/D" would seem to be a definite mistake, since it is saying that the D is a non-chord tone.
    – BobRodes
    Apr 20, 2017 at 4:21
  • I think you misunderstand how slash chord names work. And you prove the point that a chord-naming app is only useful to a person who knows enough not to need one!
    – Laurence
    Apr 20, 2017 at 11:04
  • Ok, I looked it up and yes, I did misunderstand. Slash chord names basically serve the same purpose as figured bass, without having to write the bass note. Thanks for pointing that out.
    – BobRodes
    Apr 21, 2017 at 8:08
2

Seems like a chromatic move, down to a major 7, then to dominant 7, ending with the relative minor, all with added notes. The last chord is going to be entirely up to you and your ears. Theory will try to explain what's happening, after. It usually does a good job. But ears do it better...

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.