What is a harmonic progression?

What is a harmonic progression?

• A. A single pitch staying the same.
• B. A melody with no harmony.
• C. A series of chords or intervals that move from tension to resolution.
• D. A rhythmic pattern with no harmonic change.

Answer: (C)

A harmonic progression is the movement from one harmony to another over time, shaping the musical narrative through chords or harmonic events. It’s about how the sequence of chords creates tension and then resolves, giving forward motion and emotional shape—think of a dominant chord leading to a tonic, creating a sense of resolution. This is why it’s best described as a series of chords or intervals that move from tension to resolution. The other ideas describe things that stay the same or concern rhythm or melody without changing harmony, so they don’t capture the idea of moving harmony.

A harmonic progression is the movement from one harmony to another over time, shaping the musical narrative through chords or harmonic events. It’s about how the sequence of chords creates tension and then resolves, giving forward motion and emotional shape—think of a dominant chord leading to a tonic, creating a sense of resolution. This is why it’s best described as a series of chords or intervals that move from tension to resolution. The other ideas describe things that stay the same or concern rhythm or melody without changing harmony, so they don’t capture the idea of moving harmony.