Functions, tension, and the phrase model · T → PD → D → T
Every chord progression is built on three functions — tonic, predominant, dominant — arranged into a phrase.
Editorial content for this topic is in progress. The interactive player and pattern data are live below.
Hear the pattern
Interactive player — try the progression in any of the 18 keys, switch modes, and adjust tempo to find the feel you want.
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I›C
90 BPM
FormulaT → PD → D → T
FunctionSee "About" below for harmonic role.
Soundits grounding, foundational clarity
Common in"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" · "Let It Be" — The Beatles · "La Bamba" — Ritchie Valens
Famous"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" · "Let It Be" — The Beatles · "La Bamba" — Ritchie Valens
The warm sand and stone palette on this page is inspired by music-color synesthesia — foundations maps to warm sand and stone, reflecting its grounding, foundational clarity.
About Foundations
Every chord progression is built on three functions — tonic, predominant, dominant — arranged into a phrase.
Variations
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I›C
80 BPM
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I›C
80 BPM
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I›C
100 BPM
Famous songs & pieces
"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"
"Let It Be" — The Beatles
"La Bamba" — Ritchie Valens
Frequently asked questions
What is a foundations progression?
Every chord progression is built on three functions — tonic, predominant, dominant — arranged into a phrase.
How do I use this on the piano?
Start with the player above in C. Once the pattern is in your ear, transpose to the keys you actually play in. The Roman numerals stay the same; only the chord names change.