Published:
2003-01-01
Updated:
2023-06-09

Learning Ukulele with Curt

Harmonic Analysis for Scale and Chord Selection

Harmonic Analysis (HA), also known as the study of chord relationships, is the method used to identify the harmonic role of chords within a chord progression or song. A chord progression refers to a sequence of chords, with each chord having a root note and belonging to a specific chord type. The function of a chord within a particular scale's tonality is determined by its relationship to that scale.

Main Category: Theory Main Instrument: Ukulele

6 August 2026

Harmonic Analysis for Scale and Chord Selection

Harmonic Analysis (HA) also known as the study of chord relationships, is the method used to identify the harmonic role of chords within a chord progression or song. A chord progression refers to a sequence of chords, with each chord having a root note and belonging to a specific chord type. The function of a chord within a particular scale's tonality is determined by its relationship to that scale.

    1

    Harmonic Analysis - Introduction

    Harmonic Analysis (HA) is the process used to determine the harmonic function of chords within a chord progression, sequence, composition or song. A chord progression is defined as a sequence of chords, each chord has a root and has a particular chord type.

    2

    Harmonic Analysis - Basic Concepts

    Harmonic Analysis (HA) is the process used to determine the harmonic function of chords within a chord progression, song or composition. A chord progression is defined as a sequence of chords, with each chord having a root and a particular chord type. The relationship of a chord's root to a scale determines its function within that scale's tonality. Once a chord's function is identified, scale selections along with chord and scale substitutions are made. We call this process Root Movement Analysis (RMA).

    3

    Harmonic Analysis - The Six Harmonic Principles - Overview

    This lessons cover the "Six Harmonic Principles" that are used to do a Harmonic Anlyasis - the understanding of the functional sequence of chords.

    4

    Harmonic Analysis - Full Diatonic

    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 Full Diatonic harmonic principle.

    5

    Harmonic Analysis - Partial Diatonic

    Partial Diatonic is defined as a chord that HAS its root in the - "Harmonize Chord Chart," but its species or chord type is NOT in the Harmonized Chord Chart. Partial Diatonic chords are used to link chords without leaving the current key center.

    6

    Harmonic Analysis - Internal Modulation

    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 Internal Modulation harmonic principle.

    7

    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.

    8

    Harmonic Analysis - Chromatic

    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 Chromatic harmonic principle.

    9

    Harmonic Analysis - Cycles

    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 Cycles harmonic principle.

    10

    Harmonic Analysis - Scale Selection

    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 vertical and horizontal scale selection.

    11

    Harmonic Analysis - Chord Substitution Principles

    A Substitution is when a chord replaces or is used in addition to an existing chord.

    12

    Harmonic Analysis - Common Chord Progressions

    Common chord progression are simply the sequence of chords that contiounly show up in various styles of music and common keys.

    Download the PDF lessons files for the complete lesson.

    For a thorough listing of common chord progressions see my book The Advanced Guide to Chord Progressions - Vol I and II.

    Volume I deals with chord progressions using the Full Diatonic, Partial Diatonic and Chromatic harmonic principles.

    Volume II deals with Internal Modulation, Unresolved and Cycle principles.

    13

    Harmonic Analysis - Common Harmonic Sequences

    Common harmonic sequences and their analysis with scale choices.

    14

    Harmonic Analysis - Major and Minor Harmonized Chord Charts

    Major and Minor Harmonized Chord Charts used for while doing a Harmonic Analysis. Shows triads and 4-part chords for ALL 15 major and minor keys.

    "Yes, Virgina there are 15 keys."

    15

    Harmonic Analysis - Modes Harmonized Chord Charts

    The triads and 4-part chords for ALL 15 major and minor keys.

    16

    Harmonic Analysis - Worksheet and Examples

    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 contains a blank worksheet and several completed examples using standards from the jazz repertoire.

    17

    Harmonic Analysis - Conclusion

    HARMONIC ANALYSIS for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution explored the six harmonic principles for analyzing chord progressions and songs using tradition tonic-dominant harmony and the scale modes.

Series Info

Theory

Ukulele

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