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 (help·info).

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 (help·info).

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

Sources

1. ^ ^{a b c d} Rawlins, Robert (2005). Jazzology: The Encyclopedia of Jazz Theory for All Musicians, p.131. ISBN 0-634-08678-2.
2. ^ William G Andrews and Molly Sclater (2000). Materials of Western Music Part 1, p.227. ISBN 1551220342.