Harmony
The way different notes or chords are combined in music
Primary chords
Chords built on the first fourth and fifth notes of a key often labeled I IV V
Secondary chords
Chords built on other notes of the key used to add variety
Inversion
A chord where the notes are rearranged so that the lowest note is not the root
Diatonic
Chords or notes that belong to the key of the piece
Tonic
The home chord or first note of the scale providing a sense of resolution
Subdominant
The chord built on the fourth note of the scale often leading to the dominant
Dominant 7th
The fifth chord with an added minor seventh creating tension that resolves to the tonic
Perfect cadence
A chord progression from V to I giving a strong sense of resolution
Imperfect cadence
A chord progression ending on V giving an unfinished or questioning feel
Plagal cadence
A chord progression from IV to I often called the Amen cadence
Interrupted cadence
A chord progression that goes from V to VI creating an unexpected ending
Chord progression/chord sequence
A series of chords moving in a pattern
Harmonic rhythm
The rate at which chords change in a piece of music
Drone
A sustained or repeated note or chord throughout a piece
Pedal
A sustained or repeated note usually in the bass creating tension or support
Dissonance
A combination of notes that sounds unstable or tense
Power chords
A chord consisting of the root and fifth often used in rock music
