Melody and Chord Progressions Flashcards
7 cards from real Songwriters practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Melody and Chord Progressions flashcards as text
What is a 'borrowed chord' in a major-key song?
Answer: A chord taken from the parallel minor key
Borrowed chords come from the parallel minor (or other modes) to add color, such as using a minor iv in a major key.
The interval of a perfect fourth between two melody notes is generally perceived as what?
Answer: Stable and open, common in hooks and anthems
The perfect fourth is a consonant, open-sounding interval often used in memorable anthemic melodies.
What does the term 'voice leading' refer to in writing chord progressions?
Answer: Moving individual notes smoothly between chords
Good voice leading moves each note to the nearest available chord tone, creating smooth transitions between chords.
A I - V - vi - IV progression is sometimes nicknamed what because of its widespread use in pop songs?
Answer: The 'four-chord' or 'axis' progression
I - V - vi - IV is famously called the 'four-chord' or 'axis' progression, used in countless pop hits.
What is a 'motif' in melodic composition?
Answer: A short, recognizable musical idea that recurs
A motif is a brief, memorable musical fragment that can be developed and repeated throughout a song.
When a song ends with a IV - I cadence (e.g., F - C in C major), what is this called?
Answer: A plagal cadence ('Amen' cadence)
The IV - I motion is a plagal cadence, often called the 'Amen' cadence from its use in hymns.
Why do many strong melodies use mostly stepwise motion with occasional leaps?
Answer: Stepwise motion is singable while leaps add interest and emphasis
Stepwise motion keeps a melody smooth and singable, while strategic leaps create memorable emotional highlights.