15 Diatonic Sequences
A melody or chord progression that is repeated at a higher or lower pitch is called a sequence.
A summary of common sequential patterns
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|
MAJOR |
MINOR |
|
Imperfect circle of fifths |
I – IV – viio – iii – vi – ii – V – I |
i – iv – VII – III – VI – iio – V |
|
Falling 4th pairs, descending |
[I – V] – [vi – iii] – [IV – I] |
[i – v] – [VI – III] – [iv – i] |
|
Falling 3rd pairs, ascending |
[IV – ii] – [V – iii] – [vi – IV] |
N/A |
| Parallel first inversion chords ascending or descending |
I6 – viio6 – vi6 – V6 – IV6 – iii6 – ii6 I6 – ii6 – iii6 – IV6 – V6 |
i6 – VII6 – VI6 – v6 – iv6 |
– i
If the initial two-chord unit includes inversions and/or 7ths, maintain those inversions and/or 7ths in each subsequent part of the sequence. Sequences typically break off after one or two units.
Practice 1
Practice 2