Musical tension comes from many places… dynamics, instrumentation, rhythm, chord flavor, and harmonic pulse (frequency: how often chords change). Once tension has been built, one is compelled to get back home, back to the I Chord, to release the tension. There are also many ways to get back home. Here are just a few options:

A very common example is the II-V-I Progression, which is quite popular across genres, but is a staple in Jazz. Additionally, this progression shows how chords like to move. Most often they move in fourths (usually Dominant Sevenths): C7, F7, Bb7.  “Autumn Leaves“ by The Beegie Adair Trio is a great example of moving in fourths in the Minor Circle (Minor Key) and includes both Dominant Sevenths and Minor Sevenths. In contrast, “Moody’s Mood For Love“ by Brian McKnight is another great example of this progression within the Major Circle.

Another option is the Minor IV-Flat VII-I Progression. This option can be a substitution for the II-V-I Progression, and is a back door to the I. The vamp in the song, “Reasons” by Earth Wind & Fire is a great example. In the key of Eb, the chord progression would be Ab Minor, Db, Eb. The expanded progression, Major IV-Minor VI-Minor IV-Flat VII-I, can be found in “Misty” by Erroll Garner.

Another great option is the I-Minor VI-Minor II-V Progression, which is a 4-chord loop. “Blue Moon“ is the original instance of this progression. This song has influenced music in it’s era and beyond from “Heart & Soul“ by Carol Decker and Ronald Rogers to “You Are Not Alone” by Michael Jackson and many more.

Using chord substitution, the  I-Minor VI-IV-V Progression, is another possibility. In this progression, the IV Chord has been substituted for the Minor II Chord from the earlier progression. This option can be used in a number of combinations. This very popular progression is the epitome in Pop Music and is often used in Rock. “Like That” by The Black Eyed Peas is a good example of this chord progression.

Now that we’ve gotten to where we wanted to go, we’re ready to go back home. Start on the I, build tension, and then release it! You Can Always Come Go Home! Dorothy stated in ‘The Wizard of Oz’, “There’s no place like home!”