Bad Progressions to Avoid

What are Bad Progressions?

Bad progressions are chord sequences that break the rules of harmony, leading to awkward, unresolved, or unmusical results. Avoiding these errors is crucial for creating fluent and cohesive harmonic writing.

Common Bad Progressions to Avoid

Parallel Fifths and Octaves

• Issue: Moving two voices in parallel motion to perfect fifths or octaves (e.g., G-D to A-E).
• Effect: Weakens the independence of voices and creates an unnatural sound.

Consecutive Unisons

• Issue: Having two voices play or sing the same note in consecutive chords.
• Effect: Reduces the texture and variety in the harmony.

No Leading Tone Resolution

• Issue: Failing to resolve the 7th degree (leading tone) up to the tonic.
• Effect: Leaves the progression feeling incomplete and unresolved.
• Example to Avoid: In C major, using G-B (V) but not resolving B to C (I).

Poor Voice Leading

• Issue: Using large, awkward leaps or crossing voices (e.g., bass line higher than the soprano).
• Effect: Creates dissonance and disrupts the flow of the progression.

Unrelated Chords

• Issue: Using chords that are not part of the key or don't logically connect.
• Effect: Confuses the tonal centre and makes the progression sound incoherent.

Overuse of the Same Chord

• Issue: Repeating one chord (e.g., I-I-I) without variation.
• Effect: Creates monotony and lack of movement in the harmony.

Weak Cadences

• Issue: Failing to use proper cadences (e.g., ending with IV instead of I or V-I).
• Effect: Leaves phrases unfinished and unbalanced.

Tips to Avoid Bad Progressions

• Check for Parallel Movement: Ensure voices move independently.
• Resolve Dissonances: Always resolve the 7th degree to the tonic when using V-I progressions.
• Plan Chord Progressions: Use primary triads (I, IV, V) and secondary triads (ii, vi) for logical movement.
• Practice Smooth Voice Leading: Use stepwise motion between chords and avoid unnecessary leaps.
• End with Clear Cadences: Use perfect (V-I) or imperfect (I-V) cadences to define phrases.