Harmonic Reflections (Mirroring Resolution ii-V7-I)

Harmonic Reflections (Mirroring Resolution ii-V7-I)

The main concept behind the Harmonic Reflection approach for chordal substitution and coloration involves literally reflecting or mirroring the diatonic degrees and harmonies of a scale across its root axis.

The new Harmonic Reflection of such scale will contain a different key signature as well as a whole new set of diatonic chords but across the axis of reflection we can substitute or use together the same diatonic degrees/harmonies of both scales.

To illustrate the concepts more clearly I will concentrate on the Major Scale and its harmonic reflections in this study.

Once we extract the new set of reflected/mirrored diatonic harmonies we can freely substitute them or use in conjunction with their regular versions from the original key.

In the following pages I present to you some of my favorite ways to harmonize the basic Major Scale, its “Harmonic Reflection” and “Retrograde Harmonic Reflection”.

Then, I present you with some of my preferred ways to incorporate these new substitutions into the basic ii-V7-I progression in the key of C Major.

For more info please e-mail: hristo@hristovitchev.com