What do you do if you're stuck in Bach Chorale Harmonisation?

When deciding where to take a phrase, look at the final 3 or 4 notes of the phrase. This will give you an indication of the chord you will use as a pivot chord.Pivot chords are essential for modulating through a phrase. They are chords that are common to both keys ie. the original key and the key you are wishing to travel too.If you're stuck with parallels or can't find a pivot chord that works, I would recommend trying to modulate to a different key with a different cadence. If this yields no results, try pivoting earlier in the phrase.Remember, always rely on your primary chords when in trouble (I, IV, V), try these in first inversion as well as root position (be careful not to double any thirds!)

JR
Answered by Joe R. Music tutor

4269 Views

See similar Music A Level tutors

Related Music A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between there major scale and the aeolian scale?


How do I make my composition interesting?


Focussing on the development section, analyse how Berlioz exploits texture, harmony and melody in 'Symphonie Fantastique'. Relate your evaluation to other relevant works.


How is the idea of the spinning wheel communicated in Schubert's 'Gretchen am Spinnrade'?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning