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The Major 3rds Cycles - Descending & Ascending
The Major 3rds Cycles - Descending & Ascending
The Major 3rds Harmonic Cycle, in both its descending and ascending form, has historically been an effective harmonic device for improvisers and composers alike.
Pioneered by the iconic John Coltrane, the descending version of this cycle has become commonly known as "Coltrane Changes" (on which his tune "Giant Steps" - among others - is based). At the same time, the ascending cycle - coined here as "Retrosteps" - has been explored to a far lesser degree.
The original intention, as in Coltrane's case, was his use of this cycle as a substitution for the common ii-V7-I harmonic movement. While harmonic resolution in Perfect 4ths / 5ths (Cycle of 5ths) is the foundation on which Western harmony is based, both descending and ascending Major 3rds Cycles offer creative alternatives.
Pioneered by the iconic John Coltrane, the descending version of this cycle has become commonly known as "Coltrane Changes" (on which his tune "Giant Steps" - among others - is based). At the same time, the ascending cycle - coined here as "Retrosteps" - has been explored to a far lesser degree.
The original intention, as in Coltrane's case, was his use of this cycle as a substitution for the common ii-V7-I harmonic movement. While harmonic resolution in Perfect 4ths / 5ths (Cycle of 5ths) is the foundation on which Western harmony is based, both descending and ascending Major 3rds Cycles offer creative alternatives.
Both of the examples below illustrate a few of the similarities and differences between the descending and ascending versions of the Major 3rds Cycle.
In each example, the same pair of 4-note groupings is used in the first 3 measures - a 9-R-5-3 descending arpeggio for each Major chord and b7-9-3-13 for the dominant - with a I-V turnaround in bar #4.
Ex. 1 - Cycle of Descending Major 3rds - 9-R-5-3 & b7-9-3-13 symmetrically descending line.
In each example, the same pair of 4-note groupings is used in the first 3 measures - a 9-R-5-3 descending arpeggio for each Major chord and b7-9-3-13 for the dominant - with a I-V turnaround in bar #4.
Ex. 1 - Cycle of Descending Major 3rds - 9-R-5-3 & b7-9-3-13 symmetrically descending line.
The above example is straightforward, with each 4-note unit alternating direction. This is the time honored "Coltrane Changes" harmonic sequence - Major chords descending in Maj 3rds (in this case, C - Ab - E), each preceded by its respective dominant 7h chord.
Listen
In Ex. 2 below, both the order and direction of the Major chords and their dominants is reversed. This creates a new and different set of melodic connection points between the Maj and dominant chords, as within the chords themselves.
These same 4-note groupings have been altered as well, with the order of the first two notes of each group exchanging positions.
In some cases, it might be necessary for the ascending cycle to require an octave adjustment or two, in order to stay within comfortable playing range for certain instruments (saxes, trumpets, etc.).
Ex. 2 - Cycle of Ascending Major 3rds - R-9-5-3 & 9-b7-3-13.
These same 4-note groupings have been altered as well, with the order of the first two notes of each group exchanging positions.
In some cases, it might be necessary for the ascending cycle to require an octave adjustment or two, in order to stay within comfortable playing range for certain instruments (saxes, trumpets, etc.).
Ex. 2 - Cycle of Ascending Major 3rds - R-9-5-3 & 9-b7-3-13.
Listen
For demo purposes, both of these examples are presented as continuous eighth-note lines. Try breaking up the monotony with rests and triplets (rhythmic variation) for a more musical, "real world" effect.
The downloadable pdf transposes each of the above examples into 12 keys. Since the Maj 3rds cycle divides the octave into 3 equal parts, once you've got one under your fingers, you've two more... sort of.
Download it, enjoy and step up your game!
Download it, enjoy and step up your game!
For an even more in-depth look, the following Shortbooks™ are available for immediate download.
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