Chord Progressions
Chords are usually played in a repeating sequence called a chord progression. A chord progression may repeat every 2, 4, 8, 12 or 16 bars. This could mean that the progression is repeated many times within a verse (as in many Rock songs), or that the chord progression may be the same length as the verse.
Once again, the best way to learn about chords and chord progressions is to learn a bit of basic guitar or keyboard. Many singers like to accompany themselves on guitar or keyboard, so some knowledge in this area can have a practical value as well as helping you learn more about music.
In the recorded exercises of the songs in the book, the singer sings the melody and is accompanied by chords played by guitar and/or keyboard. The bass plays a line which is made up of notes from the particular key the song is in and helps to outline the chords with these notes.
The drums lay down the rhythm as well as adding drive and drama to the songs. Drum parts are made up of notes of various values (quarter notes, eighth notes, triplets, etc). Put all these parts together and you have the three basic elements of music – melody, harmony and rhythm.
