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Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom

Robert Hutchinson

Section 9.5 Exceptions Created by Harmonic Sequences

Exceptions to the harmonic flowchart often can be explained by harmonic sequences.
Figure 9.5.1. Keith Forsey, Giorgio Moroder, Irene Cara, “Flashdance... What A Feeling” (1983)
The sequence is between the first two bars and the last two bars of the example.
Figure 9.5.2. Exceptions in “Flashdance... What A Feeling” created by sequence
There are unusual chord resolutions in the verse of “Hotel California,” in the example below.
Figure 9.5.3. Don Felder, Don Henley, Glenn Frey, “Hotel California” (1977)
The example below shows how these exceptions come about through harmonic sequences.
Figure 9.5.4. Exceptions in “Hotel California” created through sequences
Look for harmonic sequences as a possible explanation when you encounter unusual chord progressions.
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