SkillShare Writing Music 101 Create a Chord Progression in a Minor Key

Gain an understanding of how to write a tonal chord progression in a minor key with composer Jason Rivera. This 20-minute class covers how to create a balanced chord progression in a minor key using a time-honored method.

The class features detailed explanations and demonstrations on the piano. You will learn techniques and concepts that can be applied to writing music in practically any genre.

The main topics covered in this class are:

1.Defining tonal music
2.Roman numeral chord notation
3.Chords of the natural minor and harmonic minor scales
4.Categories of chords in tonal music
5.How to write chord progressions in a minor key
6.Tips for how to integrate this technique into your own writing

For your class project you will write an original chord progression in a minor key, utilizing the techniques we cover in the class, and record it. Your recording doesn't have to be professional quality—a smartphone demo will work great!

Anyone interested in cultivating their skills as a songwriter and/or composer can benefit from this class. However this class is specifically designed for intermediate songwriters and composers. Basic knowledge of music notation, an understanding of the fundamentals of music theory, access to and the ability to play major, minor, diminished and dominant 7th chords on a chord-producing instrument, or the ability to program chords into your digital audio workstation or notation software, is required.