Whether you’re a budding composer or a seasoned musician, chromatic harmony is key (no pun intended) to finding your own sound and creating music that is unique to you. On this page you’ll learn practical techniques for incorporating chromatic harmony into your own musical compositions. We’ll also be looking at history and how chromatic harmony was used in previous works that have stood the test of time. Let’s dive in.
Chromatic Harmony – The Basics
Chromatic harmony is a sophisticated system that allows for a richer and more varied musical expression. It is a key component in the creation of complex musical compositions, offering a broad palette of tonal colours and emotional nuances. Chromatic harmony essentially expands the traditional diatonic scale by incorporating all twelve tones of the octave. This provides composers with a wider range of harmonic possibilities.
A diatonic scale with 8 notes vs a chromatic scale with 12 notes.
Using chromatic harmony presents its own set of challenges. Mastering it requires a strong grasp of music theory and a sharp ear for tonal relationships. Additionally, it can introduce harmonic ambiguity, making it tricky for listeners to pinpoint the key centre of a piece.
However, despite these hurdles, the advantages of chromatic harmony are significant. It has been effectively utilised across various genres, from classical to jazz, and has played a big role in shaping the course of Western music. By fully understanding chromatic harmony, composers can stretch the boundaries of musical expression, crafting compositions that are not only technically impressive but also emotionally resonant and deeply satisfying.
The Role of Chromaticism in Music Composition (Along With Examples)
There are several ways in which chromatic harmony can be utilised in music composition:
Modulation
Chromaticism can be used to smoothly transition from one key to another, creating a sense of progression and development within a piece.
Colouration
Chromatic notes can add a sense of tension or dissonance to a piece, which can then be resolved to create a satisfying musical journey.
‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ with a descending chromatic bass line and chromatic movement in inner voices.
Expression
A wide range of emotions can be conveyed with chromatic harmony, from joy and excitement to sadness and melancholy.
Ascending chromatic sequence often used in games to highlight an achievement or a goal reached.
Techniques for Implementing Chromatic Harmony in Compositions
An effective technique is the use of secondary dominants. These are chords that function as the dominant of the dominant in a key, creating a temporary tonal shift that can add tension and anticipation to your music. The use of secondary dominants can create a sense of movement and progression, leading the listener through a series of tonal shifts before resolving back to the original key.
Baa Baa Black sheep with secondary dominant chords.
The use of chromatic passing tones is a subtle yet effective way to incorporate chromatic harmony into your compositions. These notes are used to connect two diatonic notes, creating a smooth and seamless melodic line. Chromatic passing tones add a sense of fluidity and continuity to your music. The result is a seamless flow of sound that captivates your listeners.
Tip: If you’re new to chromatic harmony, start with just moving the bass line over diatonic chords. As you feel more confident, replace a couple of those chords with chromatic ones and hear the sonic difference.
The use of Neapolitan sixth and the augmented sixth chords, is another defining feature of chromatic harmony. These are chords that act as pre-dominant chords with notes that approach the dominant from a semitone above and below simultaneously.
To fully appreciate chromatic harmony, it is helpful to have an understanding of the following:
- Diatonic scales in all, if not most of the keys
- Inversions and inverting chords
- Modulation techniques
The Impact of Chromatic Harmony on Musical Styles
Chromatic harmony has significantly influenced various musical styles. Classical composers like Wagner and Chopin used chromatic harmony to create tension and resolution.
Music Style | Use of Chromatic Harmony | Example |
Classical | Create tension and resolution | Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde” |
Jazz | Add complexity and depth | Miles Davis’s “So What” |
Pop | Increase variety and interest | The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” |
Rock | Introduce a darker, more intense sound | Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” |
In jazz, chromatic harmony is often used to add a richer harmonic landscape, as seen in the works of Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Pop and rock music also utilise chromatic harmony to create a darker, more intense sound. The Beatles, for example, used chromatic harmony in their song “Penny Lane” to add a unique twist to the melody, while Led Zeppelin used it in “Stairway to Heaven” to create a more intense sound.
Famous Examples of Chromatic Harmony in Music
Despite its complexity, chromatic harmony is not a modern invention. It has been used by composers throughout history, from the Baroque period to the present day.
Johann Sebastian Bach, for example, was a famous violinist and pianist known for his use of chromaticism in his fugues and other works. This is evident in his ‘Well-Tempered Clavier’. Bach’s use of chromatic harmony is evident in his preludes and fugues, where he uses it to create tension and resolution.
In the 19th century, composers like Richard Wagner and Franz Liszt took chromatic harmony to new heights, using it to create rich, complex musical pieces. Wagner’s ‘Tristan und Isolde’ is often cited as a landmark in the use of chromatic harmony and the opera’s famous ‘Tristan chord’ is a prime example of chromaticism.
Another noteworthy example is found in the compositions of Ludwig van Beethoven, specifically in his ‘Piano Sonata No. 29’. Beethoven’s use of chromatic harmony is a testament to his innovative approach to composition.
The innovative use of chromatic harmony has significantly influenced the development of Western music.
The Future of Chromatic Harmony
The increasing use of technology in music production is enabling composers to experiment with chromatic harmony in ways that were previously unimaginable. This includes the use of software that can generate complex chromatic harmonies, as well as the development of new musical instruments that can produce a wider range of chromatic tones.
The growing popularity of genres such as electronic music and hip-hop, which often incorporate chromatic harmony, suggests that this technique will continue to play a significant role in the music of the future. To illustrate, let’s consider a comparison table that shows the use of chromatic harmony in different music genres:
|
Genre |
Use of Chromatic Harmony |
Examples |
|
Classical |
High |
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 |
|
Jazz |
Very High |
Miles Davis’ ‘Kind of Blue’ |
|
Pop |
Moderate |
Beatles’ ‘A Day in the Life’ |
|
Electronic |
Increasing |
Deadmau5’s ‘Strobe’ |
|
Hip-Hop |
Increasing |
Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Good Kid, M.A.A.D City’ |
Frequently Asked Questions - Chromatic Harmony in Music
1. What is the difference between diatonic and chromatic harmony?
Diatonic harmony refers to the harmony that strictly follows the notes of a particular major or minor scale, while chromatic harmony incorporates notes outside of the key signature or scale. Chromatic harmony, therefore, offers a wider range of tonal possibilities and can create more complex and unexpected harmonic progressions.
2. How does chromatic harmony influence different musical styles?
Chromatic harmony has a significant impact on various musical styles. In classical music, it’s often used to create tension and resolution, while in jazz, it’s used for improvisation and complex chord progressions. In modern pop and rock music, chromatic harmony can add an unexpected twist to a song, making it more interesting and unique.
3. Can you provide some tips for implementing chromatic harmony in my compositions?
Start by understanding the basics of chromatic harmony and how it differs from diatonic harmony. Experiment with different chromatic chords and see how they affect the mood and tension of your music. Use chromatic harmony sparingly to create contrast and interest. Remember, the key to effective use of chromatic harmony is balance and resolution.
4. What are some other famous pieces of music that use chromatic harmony?
There are many famous pieces of music that use chromatic harmony. Two examples include “Giant Steps” by John Coltrane and “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen.