From Three Chords to Rich Harmony · Level 3 · Intermediate

🎯 Goal

Learn to hear the difference between the basic harmonic structure and the chords used to enrich the journey between its main points. Play both versions smoothly and understand that more chords do not necessarily mean a different progression.

💡 Before you play

First play the basic version and listen for the three main harmonic areas: C, F and G7. In the enriched version, do not try to think of every new chord as a new destination. Many of them simply create movement, tension or smoother voice leading on the way to the same important chords.

✦ Tips

Think of C as home, F as the main contrasting area and G7 as the strongest road back home.
Listen for small movements inside the chords instead of only watching chord names.
C, Cmaj7 and C6 can all colour the same tonic area.
C7 and C9 create a stronger pull toward F.
Fmaj7, F6 and Fm6 add colour and movement before returning toward C.
Secondary dominants such as A7b9 can make a temporary destination like Dm7 feel more important.
Diminished chords can work as smooth connecting colours when their notes lead naturally into the next chord.
Practice the basic and enriched versions back to back so you can hear what changed — and what stayed the same.

🏁 Mastery target

Speed 50–200%

1 playthrough

Chords in this Exercise