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 nonfunctional chords provides cohesiveness while producing a free and shifting tonal center.^[1][2]

Constant structure example^[1]

For example, the progression F^maj7–A♭^maj7–D♭^maj7–G♭^maj7–C^13sus4[1] contains four major seventh chords (and one thirteenth chord), none of which are diatonic to the key of F major except the first.

A vi–ii–V–I chord progression in C^[3]

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.

See also

• Parallel harmony
• Side-slipping

References

1. Rawlins, Robert (2005). Jazzology: The Encyclopedia of Jazz Theory for All Musicians, p.131. ISBN 0-634-08678-2.
2. Schmeling, Paul (1 June 2001). "Reharmonization with Constant Structure Chords". Berklee Today. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
3. Andrews, William G; Sclater, Molly (2000). Materials of Western Music Part 1, p. 226. ISBN 1-55122-034-2.