BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
5181 / 18210 · Workshop 34 — “Invitation”: Minor-Key Gravity, Descending Bass, Dominant Chains, and Hearing Long Harmonic Sentences← prev⊞ allnext →

34.89The three scales of harmonic thought

You should now be able to think simultaneously at three levels:

Micro

What is happening inside this chord?

3rd, 7th, extension.

Meso

What packet is this?

ii–V, dominant chain, chromatic connector.

Macro

Where is this phrase ultimately going?

temporary tonic versus structural tonic.

Advanced playing requires all three—but macro should lead.