BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
5088 / 18210 · Workshop 33 — “Dolphin Dance”: Ambiguous Tonal Centers, Lydian Colors, Slash Chords, and Harmony That Changes Its Meaning While You Listen← prev⊞ allnext →

33.88The major conceptual upgrade

Earlier, we often asked:

What is this chord?

Now you should increasingly ask:

What is this chord doing right now?

It may be:

  • home
  • color
  • transition
  • pedal structure
  • preparation
  • dominant
  • pivot
  • common-tone reinterpretation

The same vertical notes can play different roles.