Make Chords That Vibe Using the 6 Places a Chord Can Go

About this video

• Video Title: Make Chords That Vibe Using the 6 Places a Chord Can Go
• Channel: Jaron Lopez
• Speakers: Jaron Lopez
• Duration: 24:25

Overview

This video explains the concept of musical intervals and how they relate to chord progressions. It breaks down the 12 notes of a musical scale into six core "places" a chord can move to from its starting point, based on the number of semitones away (1-6). The presenter demonstrates how to use tools like common tones, contrary motion, and counter melodies to create more interesting and nuanced chord progressions, moving beyond simple, overt movements. The video concludes by introducing the "wormhole method" for musical discovery.

Key takeaways

• The Six Places a Chord Can Go: All chord movements can be categorized into six fundamental intervals (1-6 semitones) away from the starting chord, either ascending or descending. The tritone (6 semitones) is symmetrical, resulting in only one destination.
• Symmetry and Inversion: Movements by 'n' semitones and '12-n' semitones result in the same two root notes but in flipped positions, demonstrating a mirrored relationship.
• Musical Tools for Nuance: Common tones (notes shared between chords), contrary motion (notes moving in opposite directions), and counter melodies (secondary melodic lines) can obscure overt root movements and add depth and intrigue to progressions.
• Voicing and Perception: The arrangement of notes within a chord (voicing) significantly impacts how the chord and its progression are perceived, allowing for manipulation of clarity and emphasis.
• The Wormhole Method: This approach encourages hands-on experimentation with root motions and chord types to discover unique harmonic possibilities, moving beyond traditional harmonic frameworks.