Transitions of the III Chord in Piano Harmony

Introduction

The tertian chord commonly referred to as the III chord plays a significant role in Western music theory and piano playing. It is a fundamental component that musical composers and pianists often employ to create smooth and dynamic transitions within a piece of music. Understanding the various progressions that can follow the III chord is crucial for anyone seeking to enhance their musical abilities, especially on the piano.

Understanding the III Chord

The III chord, built on the third scale degree of a given key, frequently resolves to a VI chord or its dominant (V) or tonic (I). In the context of a minor key, the VI chord can be either major or minor (vi). Its function as a mediant chord allows for a range of transition possibilities depending on the musical context. Some common progressions include:

To a VI chord: In a major key, this is achieved via bass arpeggiation. For instance, in the key of C major, the III chord (E major) can progress to C major (VI). To a V or I chord: These are highly functional and sought-after progressions, especially in the context of key changes and harmonic resolution. Modulatory Possibilities: The III chord can also be used as a secondary dominant to modulate to other keys, such as from B minor to A major in the key of C major.

The exact chord progression can vary, and the specific possibilities depend on the style and context of the music. Experimentation and familiarity with harmonic principles are essential for a pianist to determine suitable chord transitions.

Harmonic Principles and Progressive Movements

In the realm of piano harmony, the movement of chords is governed by several principles. The first priority for chord movement is typically an upward perfect fourth. This is because the dominant (V) chord generally resolves to the tonic (I) chord, establishing a strong tonal center.

For chords like the III, which are not conditioned by instrumental presentation, a second priority is an upward diatonic second. For example, in the key of C major, the III chord (E) can transition to the IV chord (F major). Third priority involves a diatonic third (major or minor) movement, which is both smooth and efficient.

One of the most interesting transitions is the parallel common tones technique. This means keeping the common tones between the two chords while swapping the different ones. For instance, the III chord in C major (E, G, B) can transition smoothly to the V chord (G, B, D) by keeping G and B and altering E to D, or even better, to F, creating a V7 chord with a missing fifth, a G. This is a powerful and effective technique that can add depth and complexity to your playing.

Another fascinating aspect of piano harmony is the use of the III chord as a secondary dominant. For example, in C major, playing an E minor chord (III) and then shifting G to G (the dominant of A), turns it into a V/iv or secondary dominant. This can be used to modulate to A major with an extra punch, or simply to create a richer harmonic progression.

Resources for Learning Piano

If you are aspiring to learn the piano but face time constraints, there are numerous online tutorials that can help you. These tutorials are simple, easy, and highly effective. Users like yourself have reported excellent results from some of these resources. Learning at your own pace can help you achieve your musical aspirations without the need for frequent practice sessions.

Key points to remember:

Up a perfect fourth (V) Up a diatonic second (ii) Up or down a diatonic third (major or minor)

Harmonic transitions and chord progressions are dynamic and evolving. The more you experiment and practice, the more you will understand and appreciate the rich repertoire of possibilities available to you as a pianist.

Conclusion

The versatility of the III chord in piano playing is truly remarkable. By mastering its transitions and understanding the underlying harmonic principles, you can elevate your piano playing to new heights. Happy practicing!