BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
177 / 18210 · Module 6 — Cadences, Phrase Structure, Harmonic Rhythm, and Hearing Musical “Punctuation”← prev⊞ allnext →

6.14Harmonic rhythm often accelerates toward a cadence

A common pattern is:

slow harmony at the beginning,

faster changes near the end.

For example:

| C | C | F | Dm G7 | C |

You can hear the harmonic activity increase:

C sits.

F moves away.

Dm → G7 creates faster preparation.

C arrives.

This is a powerful arranging technique.