Harmonic Rhythm
HARMONIC RHYTHM
Harmonic rhythm is the rate that chords change in a progression. It helps differentiate parts of a song and can create excitement with basic chords.
Chord changes usually occur on the beat in quarter, half, dotted half, and whole note values with a simple repetition pattern throughout the phrase.
Quicker chord changes add a sense of momentum creating a feeling of arrival on longer held chords.
A chord change between the beat has more rhythmic importance and often comes with a hit.
A hit is a figure that two or more rhythm section instruments play at the same time. Hits can have more impact if they are separated by rests.
Different ways of changing the harmonic rhythm with the same chord progression in a four measure phrase are shown below.
One Chord per measure
The chords start on the first beat of every measure. This simple harmonic rhythm has been used in countless pop songs.
Two Chords Per Measure
The value of each chord has been cut in half creating more motion.
One + Two Chords Per Measure
Using a combination of two, four, and six beat chords adds variety and creates unpredictability.
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