8 Practical Ways of Using Parallel Chord Motion in your Music

8 Practical Ways of Using Parallel Chord Motion in your Music

Author: Pedro Murino Almeida August 12, 2020 Duration: 6:01

In this episode, I will be  proposing eight ways that you can use this technique. Each has a  different feel of vibe so you will have to choose depending on the  harmonic effect you are going for. This particular harmonic technique consists in moving a chord or a  harmonic interval and maintain the relative distance between pitches, or  put another way, it’s when all the voices of a chord move in the same  direction. It can be used to connect with a more important chord or to  thicken a melodic line.


Find me on: 🔥 ⁠⁠Beyond Music Theory Blog⁠⁠ 🎵 ⁠⁠Online Lessons⁠⁠ 🎵 ⁠⁠Online Music Courses⁠⁠ 📚 ⁠⁠Beyond Music Theory eBook


Pedro Murino Almeida hosts Beyond Music Theory, a podcast built on the idea that the real work of a composer happens where knowledge meets practice. This isn't about abstract academic exercises; it's a companion for your own creative process, offering tangible insights you can apply directly to your music. Episodes alternate between two distinct, valuable formats. In detailed case studies, you'll follow along as Pedro builds a piece from the initial spark to a fuller arrangement, hearing the decisions, revisions, and breakthroughs in real time. Other episodes focus on practical music theory concepts specifically framed for songwriters, alongside discussions of tools and creative strategies designed to overcome blocks and maintain momentum. The entire focus is on demystifying the act of creation, providing a behind-the-scenes look at composition and actionable advice to help you develop your unique sound. If you're looking for a podcast that moves past pure theory into the messy, rewarding work of actually making music, this is a space dedicated to that ongoing journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 34

Beyond Music Theory
Podcast Episodes
Strategic Use of Out-of-Key Chords [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:23
Today I’m going to talk about the importance of planning where to use your out-of-key materials, in this case, harmonic materials. 🎵 Mastering The Art Of Harmonizing Melodies – ⁠https://courses.beyondmusictheory.org/b/IN…
Using Modal Layering for Harmonic and Melodic Surprises [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:43
I’m going to show you how you can create surprising harmonic landscapes by using a technique called modal layering. Find me on: 🔥 ⁠⁠Beyond Music Theory Blog⁠⁠ 🎵 ⁠⁠Online Lessons⁠⁠ 🎵 ⁠⁠Online Music Courses⁠⁠ 📚 ⁠⁠Beyond Mu…
Connecting Sections in Your Musical Arrangements [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:57
Today we are going to look at a couple of ways of connecting sections of your musical arrangement. Find me on: 🔥 ⁠⁠Beyond Music Theory Blog⁠⁠ 🎵 ⁠⁠Online Lessons⁠⁠ 🎵 ⁠⁠Online Music Courses⁠⁠ 📚 ⁠⁠Beyond Music Theory eBook
Avoiding Ostinato Boredom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:56
Creating different musical contexts to keep your ostinato sections interesting and fresh. 📚 Ostinatos - https://www.beyondmusictheory.org/ostinatos/ 📚 Modal Mixture - https://www.beyondmusictheory.org/modal-mixture/ 🔥🎵 N…
A Practical Guide to Music Expression [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:54
A Guide to Music Expression Introduction: In this short online course you will look into ways of giving meaning to your music by using the musical elements according to your intentions. The Elements of Music: A step by s…
Chromatic Mediants and Metric Modulation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:10
Today we will be looking at an example of how chromatic mediant relationships can sound by creating unexpected harmonies and also some tips on things you can do with rhythm to surprise your listeners. Suggested links: -…
Tips to Create Chord Progressions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:26
In this episode we will be looking at some tips that you can use to create chord progressions and start making your next song. I also did a little bit of that, as you will listen throughout the episode. It was the result…
How to Use Polychords in Your Music [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:03
In this episode I will be showing you different ways of using tonal and chromatic material to build polychord structures. Polychords can be used as single or separate chord structures. Learn some of the ways in which you…
Where Do Musical Ideas Come From [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:00
Hello and welcome! In today’s episode, I’ll be approaching a question that will always be open for debate as each and every one of us listens to and thinks about music differently. Nonetheless, all boils down to a musici…
What to do With Modal Interchange [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:28
In this post we will be looking at some practical uses for modal interchange. First of all, what is it? This is a technique that consists in temporarily borrowing chords from a parallel tonality or mode that shares the s…