Harmonic Rhythm

Harmonic rhythm is the rate that chords change in a progression. It helps differentiate parts of a song and can create excitement with basic chords. The chord changes usually occur on the beat in quarter, half, dotted half, and whole note values with a simple repetition pattern throughout the phrase. Quicker chord changes add a sense of momentum creating a feeling of arrival on longer held chords. A chord change between the beat has more rhythmic importance and often comes with a hit. A hit is a figure that two or more rhythm section instruments play at the same time. Hits can have more impact if they are separated by rests. Different ways of changing the harmonic rhythm with the same chord progression in a four measure phrase are shown below.

one chord / measure

The chords start on the first beat of every measure. This simple harmonic rhythm has been used in countless pop songs.

two chords / measure

The value of each chord has been cut in half creating more motion.

one + Two chords / measure

Using a combination of two, four, and six beat chords adds variety to the progression and creates some unpredictability.

one + two chords / measure Variation

This is a variation using a combination of longer and shorter chords. You can surprise the listener by changing the harmonic rhythm at the end of the phrase.

one beat chord changes

Changing the chord in one beat creates momentum. The one beat chord acts as a passing chord giving importance to the chords that follow.

Multiple one beat chords

Stringing one beat chords together creates a sense of arrival when a longer chord is reached.

eighth note hits

Placing a chord change between the beat generates rhythmic impact. This links the rhythm of the chordal instruments to the rate in which the chords change.

sixteenth note hits

Sixteenth note hits are heard in many pop songs. The dotted eighth polyrhythm of 4:3 is one of the most popular.