Harmonic Functions

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What are Harmonic Functions?

Harmonic functions explain the relationship between chords
of a given scale. They are important in the development of
concepts like tonality and key.
We have three basic harmonic functions: tonic, dominant
and subdominant:
These functions are related to the I (tonic), IV (subdominant)
and V (dominant) degrees in both minor and major scales.

The tonic chord is built over the first degree of the

scale. The tonic is the tonal center, the resting point.
Listen carefully to the tonic chords. Since in this
example the C major chord is the tonal center, we say
that we are in the key of C major:

Tonic

 The dominant and subdominant chords help define

the tonic chord. The dominant chord is one 5th above
the tonic and the subdominant chord is one 5th below:

The
Dominant
and
Subdomina
nt

These two chords create an harmonic tension that

resolves into the tonic chord.
G Major and it begins with the dominant chord
Key: G Major
Tonic (I): G major
Dominant (V): D major or D dominant seventh
Subdominant: C major

Functional Harmony
All chords within a scale have and create a certain feel & tendencies
within a chord progression or song.
Specific chords fulfill a very specific function within a chord
progression, composition, or song.
Chords within a chord progression feel like they dont want to go
anywhere, they feel resolved; while other chords feel like they are on
their way to another chord they need to resolve to.
The best ways to fully understand this on a deeper level is by
constructing chords of 4th intervals, called quartal harmony, &
playing chord progressions with quartal harmony chords within a
specified scale.

The
Mathematical
Organization

A harmonic that is 1 octave higher than the open, unfingered note lies at one half the length of the string.
The harmonics fall at many different specific areas
along the string, called nodes.
The series is built in to the sound of the
fundamental note you can detect with ears.
When the entire scale length of the string is under
vibrating phenomenon, all the harmonic series is
contained in that vibration, to varying degrees.
The varying degrees to which the individual notes of
the harmonic series are highlighted help in
determining the timbre of the instrument.
The timbre, quality of sound differentiates the sound
of an instrument from that of a different instrument.

Why You Will Love the Lessons?

1. Instructors at ZOTZin Music are well trained in understanding what is going on
in the person they are working with.
2. The teachers always adapts to the student, never the other way around.
3. They make the best possible way for you to make you understand the
instructions.
4. Knowing the fact that its ok to be nervous in your lesson. They make it quite
easier for students to learn things providing the best comfortable practices.
5. You will learn as much about yourself as you will about guitar with the
expertise.

Thank You!!