Comparative Root Progression Analysis Technique
4.1.4. Help on using the Graph
The graph shows how the distribution of progressions varies depending on the types of surface chords excluded. These chords are: passing chords, appoggiatura chords and auxiliary chords.
At the bottom of the graph window are the three possible exclusion rules. You can vary what is selected by ticking one or more boxes. You can select any single rule or any combination of rules. A tick excludes the type of chord selected.
Above the graph is a selection box where you can select 'All Tonal Pieces' or select each piece individually. Selecting 'All Tonal Pieces' produces a graph which aggregates counts for all tonal pieces on the database. Pre-tonal and post-tonal pieces are not included in this option. Press the button with the downward arrow to see the selection list.
After each change of the selection rules you must press 'UPDATE GRAPH' to view the new graph.
The graph shows the counts for each type of progression:
R4 = Rising fourth progressions
F3 = Falling third progressions
R2 = Rising second progressions
F2 = Falling second progressions
R3 = Rising third progressions
F4 = Falling fourth progressions.
See section 3. Method of Working for further explanation of these progressions.
They are arranged in this sequence so that the three most frequent progressions appear on the left, in sequence. The progressions on the right are organised in symmetry with those on the left to reflect the way they are most frequently used as paired progressions formed by auxiliary chords. For example, falling fourth progressions are usually paired with rising fourth progressions. These paired progressions are eliminated from the count when auxiliary chords are excluded.
By trying different combinations of selection rules, this graph shows clearly how the polarisation of chord progressions is common across pieces of tonal music when passing chords, appoggiatura chords and auxiliary chords are excluded.
You can read a brief commentary on the graphs for each piece on the database in the Description of Pieces on the Database section.
The number and variety of pieces on the database will gradually increase and I hope eventually to add other ways of viewing the data.
Comparative Root Progression Analysis Menu
2.4.1.