Which element is central to the concept of a chord progression described?

Which element is central to the concept of a chord progression described?

• A. A chain of triads, each pulling to the next
• B. A static harmony with a single chord
• C. A pattern of unrelated notes
• D. A fixed rhythmic ostinato

Answer: (A)

Harmony movement through a sequence of chords is what a chord progression is all about. The central element described is a chain of triads, each pulling to the next. In tonal music, triads built on consecutive scale degrees form a path where each chord pushes your ear toward the next, creating directional motion and eventual resolution. For example in C major, a common progression moves from C major (I) to F major (IV) to G major (V) and finally back to C major (I). The V chord has a strong pull because its leading tone resolves up to the tonic, giving a satisfying sense of arrival when it resolves to I. This sense of movement between chords is what makes the progression feel connected rather than a static harmony. The other descriptions don’t fit this idea: a single static chord doesn’t move; unrelated notes lack a guiding directional flow; a fixed rhythmic ostinato concerns rhythm, not harmony.

Harmony movement through a sequence of chords is what a chord progression is all about. The central element described is a chain of triads, each pulling to the next. In tonal music, triads built on consecutive scale degrees form a path where each chord pushes your ear toward the next, creating directional motion and eventual resolution. For example in C major, a common progression moves from C major (I) to F major (IV) to G major (V) and finally back to C major (I). The V chord has a strong pull because its leading tone resolves up to the tonic, giving a satisfying sense of arrival when it resolves to I. This sense of movement between chords is what makes the progression feel connected rather than a static harmony. The other descriptions don’t fit this idea: a single static chord doesn’t move; unrelated notes lack a guiding directional flow; a fixed rhythmic ostinato concerns rhythm, not harmony.