Using Degree Names to Change Keys
Continuing from last time, we'll learn how to use degree names.
First, changing keys.
With degree names, you can change the key very easily.
For example, suppose you've written a song using the Canon progression (key of D major), and the singer asks you to "lower the key."
We used a karaoke example when explaining keys, too.
If the requested key change is "-2," the key becomes C.
*You often see this notation for synth pitch and the like: +1 is a half step up, and -1 is a half step down.
+12 is an octave up, -12 is an octave down, and +7 is a P5th up.
This time it's the key, so picture the first note of the scale moving along with all the remaining notes relative to it.
We already completed the degree name analysis last time.
All that's left is to fit the notes of the C major scale into it.
Based on the above, the Canon progression in the key of C looks like the audio, score and piano roll below.
Most DAWs let you change the key easily with a single button.
In Cubase, the chord display can also follow the key to some extent.
However, when using a DAW whose chord display can't follow the key, or in situations such as live sessions where you're asked to change key on the spot, knowing this method of changing keys with degree names is very useful.
It will also let you quickly program progressions from your repertoire in any key when using them in production.
For all these reasons, it's a technique we'd really like you to master.
Understanding Famous Chord Progressions with Degree Names
Hit songs around the world share commonly used progressions, and chord progressions themselves aren't protected by copyright.
There are many progressions you can make with simple diatonic chords alone, so this time we'll introduce some of them.
Be sure to make your favorite chord progressions your own.
Check them together with the diatonic chord table.
- VIm → IV → V → I
This chord progression is known in Japan as the "Komuro progression."
At slow tempos it gives a powerful impression, and at fast tempos it creates a sense of speed.
- VIm → IV → I → V
This swaps V and I from the previous progression.
You often hear it in epic-style music.
It may be easier to imagine if you play it as broken chords (arpeggiated chords).
For details, see "Voicing, Arpeggios and Low Interval Limits."
- IV → V → IIIm → VIm
A chord progression you hear very often; this is the triad-only version of what is generally called the "royal road progression," which also includes four-note chords.
It can be used in any genre and is easy to put a melody over.
- IV → V → VIm → VIm
A chord progression often used in four-on-the-floor dance music such as trance and Eurobeat.
It has a cool feel.
- IV → V → VIm → IIIm
It's the same as the previous progression up to a point, but changing the end gives it a bittersweet mood.
Like this, there are a great many cases where "changing the end" brings a change of mood or leads to the next development.
For example,
- IV → V → VIm → I
Doing this gives the end more power.
In addition, the following three are also progressions you hear very often.
- VIm → IIm → V → I
- IV → I → V → VIm
- I → VIm → IIm → V
There are far more patterns than we can introduce here.
The mood also changes depending on arrangement, tempo and voicing.
Be sure to use degree names to try various progressions in your own songs.
Next time, we'll cover degree names for major diatonic chords as four-note chords.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why does using degree names make changing keys easy?
Degree names express relative positions in the scale as numbers, so when changing to a different key you just apply the same combination of numbers to another scale. This lets you change keys mechanically without complicated note name conversions.
Q2. What are the characteristics of the "royal road progression" introduced in the article?
The royal road progression (IV → V → IIIm → VIm) can be used in any genre and is easy to put a melody over. It's a progression you hear very often and a basic chord progression that's easy for beginners to use.
Q3. Is it true that chord progressions aren't protected by copyright?
Yes, chord progressions themselves are not protected by copyright. So learning famous existing progressions and using them in your own songs is no problem under copyright law, and many hit songs use common progressions.
Q4. Do I need to learn progressions other than diatonic chords?
This article covers progressions using only diatonic chords, but four-note chords and non-diatonic chords will be covered from next time on. It's recommended to learn step by step after solidifying the basics.
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