7.4 · Chord Movements

Up a second

I–ii–iii–IV–V: every root rises a second, and no two neighbors share a note. Every step replaces the whole chord, so the line climbs.

No note in common

Chords a second apart share no notes. Every step up replaces all three, so the ear hears a full change each time and the whole chord climbs.

C E GHome. D F AEvery note moved up one step. E G BEvery note moved up again. F A CAnd again. G B DAnd again. Five chords, no note shared between neighbors.
C
Dm
Em
F
G

Four steps up, ending on the strongest pull. The whole line builds toward V.

C
Dm
Em
F
G
C

The climb, then V falls a fifth home.

The step every song takes

IV up to V is the one rise nearly every song makes. Down a second is the same step backward.

C
F
G
C

IV up to V: a full change, and the line rises into the pull.

C
G
F
C

V down to IV: the same step backward. The pull eases before home.

C
Dm
Em
F

Three steps up in a row: Here, There and Everywhere opens this way.

Game · Rising or falling?

1 / 5

Three chords, each a second from the last. Did the line rise, or fall?

Listen first. Then answer.

Quiz

1 / 3

Chords a second apart share…

Score 100% on every quiz and game to complete this lesson.Follow the movement →