Melody and Chord Progressions Flashcards

What is a 'deceptive cadence'?

Answer: When V resolves to vi instead of the expected I

A deceptive cadence moves from V to vi, surprising the listener who expected resolution to the tonic.

Modulating up a half or whole step for the final chorus is a common technique known as what?

Answer: A 'truck driver' or pump-up key change

Raising the key for a final chorus, nicknamed the 'truck driver' modulation, boosts energy and emotional lift.

Which mode gives a melody a brighter, 'lifted' quality compared to the natural minor, often used in folk and Celtic-flavored songs?

Answer: Dorian mode

Dorian mode is a minor scale with a raised sixth, giving it a brighter, less somber sound than natural minor.

What is the relationship between a melody note and a chord called when the note is NOT part of the underlying chord?

Answer: A non-chord (non-harmonic) tone

Non-chord tones like passing tones and suspensions sit outside the chord to add tension and melodic interest.

A 12-bar blues progression most commonly uses which three chords?

Answer: I, IV, and V

The standard 12-bar blues is built almost entirely on the I, IV, and V chords.

Why might a songwriter harmonize a melody in thirds for a backing vocal?

Answer: Thirds create a consonant, pleasing harmony that supports the lead

Harmonizing a third above or below produces sweet, consonant harmony commonly heard in country and folk duets.

What does 'rhythmic displacement' of a melodic phrase accomplish?

Answer: Shifts a familiar phrase to a different beat to create surprise

Rhythmic displacement starts a known phrase on a different beat, creating freshness and tension while keeping the pitches.