Published:
2012-04-06
Updated:
2024-06-08
Learning Ukulele with Curt
Harmonic Analysis - Unresolved
Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song, or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution. This lesson covers the Unresolved harmonic principle.
Author(s): Curt Sheller Publisher: Curt Sheller Publications Code: MLRMAe-7
Main Category: Theory Main Instrument: Any
Categories: Chords
2026-08-23
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Number of Pages: 2
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Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution. This lesson covers the Unresolved harmonic principle.
This series, is the book Harmonic Analysis for Chord Substitution and Scale Selection by Curt Sheller broken out into individual lessons with additional examples and content. Always, the latest version of the book.
The Unresolved harmonic principle is when a chord is in the harmonized chord chart but does not resolve to its I chord. Most common would be a V chord or II V chords not resolving to their I or tonic chord. This is sometimes referred to as a deceptive resolution. Unresolved chords appear identical to partial diatonic chords and are active chords ( II , IV , V , VII ) but do not resolve to passive chords ( I , III , VI ).
WORKSHEET NOTATION: Label these chords with UPPERCASE roman numerals and the tonality of what would have been if the chords did resolve to their I chord.
The Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn classic Satin Doll is a great example of the Unresolved harmonic principle.
More Harmonic Analysis - Unresolved
content below, continue exploring...
More Harmonic Analysis - Unresolved
Song Examples
Most folk, rock and blues songs remain in one key. Most Jazz and Pop standards will modulate to new key centers.
Jazz Classics
Four
bar 4, 13
Groovin' High
bar 3 - 4
Joy Spring
bar 3 -4
Lover Man
bar 1 -2
Satin Doll
bar 1 -2. 3 -4. 4 -6
Wave
Intro Vamp
Checkout the Songs section of LearningUkulele.com , as many of the songs examples above are available.
End of Lesson - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!
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