Sequence

When 2 or more notes create a certain pattern, and that pattern is followed by the next similar group of 2 or more notes, you create a sequence. Sequence is a great device for creating continuity and unity in a melody. Even though the notes are different, the human mind is real good at picking out patterns, and that pattern is what holds the melodic segment together. Click here to listen.

As a result of this, in our variations of different chord inversions, all similarly numbered inversions can create a sequence. This is because they use the same pattern of variations. If we use variation 2 for root, 1st inversion and 2nd inversion, the pattern holds the statement together. Click below to listen.

1 ________ 2 _________ 3

Scale segments can also create sequences. Click here to listen.

You can also use the same sequence from chord to chord. This achieves a lot of unity in a song. Click here to listen.

Repeating the same melodic word, every time a chord comes around is another way of creating a sequence.

Here are various examples using sequences. Some are using chords, others are using scale patterns.

Example