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I have the progression

C G Am G D G

then

C G A#sus2  E F G Am

So this is suppose to be in C major from what I know the D is a secondary dominant since it resolves to the G(I suppose), but the A#sus2 and the E major is strange to me. So whats the theory behind this and how to apply them?

Jaafar Jumaa
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1 Answers1

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These two chords are Bb (bVII) and E (V/vi) in C major, so on the surface that doesn't make much sense, but let's take a detour:

The Neapolitan is the major chord at the bII position in a key, and it's a predominant chord that resolves to the dominant (V). This N - V resolution is very common in minor key classic music. E.g in E minor you might hear F/A - B7 - Em. The verse of this Schoolhouse Rock tune is i - N - V - i.

The relative minor of C is A minor, and it turns out, Bb and E is a fine N - V resolution in A minor! Now in both A minor and C major the E would typically resolve to Am, but V to bVI (E to F) is a very common deceptive cadence.

In general, squeezing in progressions from the relative minor (or other nearby keys) is a great way to spice up major key music.

Steve Clay
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  • That's a great observation, didn't occur to me! – leftaroundabout May 27 '17 at 23:44
  • +1 This is exactly it, Steve! I wonder if you'd be interested in fleshing out this answer a little bit to make it more clear? Showing exactly what the Neapolitan and dominant are, and when they're "in" what key? – Richard May 28 '17 at 00:10
  • There's something in this, although I don't think it addresses the question fully. The V/vi is all very well, but usually a secondary is followed by the target; not seeing that till 3 chords later. – Tim May 28 '17 at 09:59
  • I prefer to think of it as a standard modal 'V--VI--VII--I' following the Neapolitan. – Richard May 28 '17 at 13:03
  • @Richard See if my edit is an improvement – Steve Clay May 29 '17 at 22:49
  • @ Steve Clay thank you for this amazing explanation,so it's actually a modulation to the relative minor using the Neapolitan chord of the new mode ? since the progression ends on Am. – Jaafar Jumaa May 30 '17 at 00:06
  • I wouldn't call it a modulation unless you've really shifted the tonal center to A afterwards. The F and G chords don't strongly suggest that, but it depends on your vocal melody. – Steve Clay May 30 '17 at 02:08