7.3 · Chord Movements

Down a third

I–vi–IV–ii: every root falls a third, and every move changes one note. In C: C to A, A to F, F to D. The chain is smooth because so little moves.

One note moves each time

Chords a third apart share two notes. In C, I to vi keeps C and E, vi to IV keeps A and C, IV to ii keeps F and A.

C E GHome. A C EC and E stay. G becomes A. F A CA and C stay. E becomes F. D F AF and A stay. C becomes D.
C
Am
F
Dm

Three moves, one note each. The chain drifts away from home without a pull.

C
Am
F
Dm
G
C

The chain, then two falls of a fifth to land: ii to V, V to I.

The thirds chain in songs

Most songs take the first move or two, then fall a fifth to get home.

C
Am
F
G

Doo-wop: two thirds down, then IV steps up to V. Stand By Me.

C
Am
Dm
G

One third down, then two fifths down: Heart and Soul, Blue Moon.

Game · Third down, or fifth down?

1 / 5

Two chords. Did the root fall a third, or a fifth?

Listen first. Then answer.

Quiz

1 / 3

In C major, I to vi keeps…

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