Constant structure

In jazz, a constant structure is a chord progression consisting of three or more chords of the same type or quality.^[1] Popularized by pianists Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock, the combination of functional and non-functional chords provides cohesiveness while producing a free and shifting tonal center.^[1]

Constant structure example^[1]

Play .

For example, the progression Fmaj7-A♭maj7-D♭maj7-G♭maj7-C13sus^[1] contains four major seventh chords (and one thirteenth chord), none of which are diatonic to the key of F major except the first.

vi-ii-V-I in C^[2]

Play .

In contrast, the vi-ii-V-I or circle progression from classical theory contains four chords of two or three different qualities: major, minor, and possibly a dominant seventh chord; all of which, however, are diatonic to the key. Thus diversity is achieved within a stable and fixed tonal center.

Sources

1 2 3 4 Rawlins, Robert (2005). Jazzology: The Encyclopedia of Jazz Theory for All Musicians, p.131. ISBN 0-634-08678-2.
↑ William G Andrews and Molly Sclater (2000). Materials of Western Music Part 1, p.227. ISBN 1-55122-034-2.

Chord progressions

Terminology

By number
of chords

Three	I–IV–V–I ii–V–I turnaround V–IV–I turnaround ♭VII–V7 cadence Backdoor progression Eight-bar blues Twelve-bar blues ("Bird" changes) Sixteen-bar blues Passamezzo moderno

Four	50s progression Andalusian cadence Folía I−vi−ii−V Montgomery-Ward bridge Passamezzo antico I–V–vi–IV Romanesca Tadd Dameron turnaround

By name

List of chord progressions

Jazz theory & improvisation

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Constant structure

See also

Sources