Which statement best defines a chord progression?

Which statement best defines a chord progression?

• A. A single triad that repeats identically.
• B. A chain of triads, each pulling to the next.
• C. A sequence of pitches organized in scales.
• D. A rhythmic ostinato without changing harmony.

Answer: (B)

Chord progression is the movement of harmony through a sequence of chords over time. The best statement captures this idea by describing a chain of triads, each pulling to the next, which creates directional tension and resolution in the music. This shows how harmony evolves from one chord to another, rather than staying on a single sound. For example, moving from C major to F major to G major and back to C major demonstrates how each chord leads toward the next and ultimately resolves. Repeating a single triad has no harmonic change to ride on, a sequence of pitches organized in scales focuses on melodies rather than harmony, and a rhythmic ostinato without changing harmony emphasizes rhythm over chord movement.

Chord progression is the movement of harmony through a sequence of chords over time. The best statement captures this idea by describing a chain of triads, each pulling to the next, which creates directional tension and resolution in the music. This shows how harmony evolves from one chord to another, rather than staying on a single sound. For example, moving from C major to F major to G major and back to C major demonstrates how each chord leads toward the next and ultimately resolves. Repeating a single triad has no harmonic change to ride on, a sequence of pitches organized in scales focuses on melodies rather than harmony, and a rhythmic ostinato without changing harmony emphasizes rhythm over chord movement.