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5.1 · Progressions

Home and away

The smallest story music can tell: leave home, come back. I → V → I is out-the-door-and-home-again; I → IV → Iis a gentler stroll. Every progression you'll ever hear is this trip, elaborated.

The smallest loops

Two trips out of the house. V comes back urgent; IV comes back easy. Both end settled on I.

Leave the door open

Now hear what an unfinished trip feels like. Stopping away from I leaves the story mid-sentence. Your ear finishes it for you.

Same story, any key

Here's the same I → V → I trip starting from three different homes: C, G, then E♭. The notes all change; the story doesn't. That's why we name chords by their role, not their letters.

Quiz

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Listen: did this loop come home?

Listen first. Then answer.
Score 100% on every quiz and game to complete this lesson.The pop loop →