Chord Progressions: Contrapuntal Elaboration of Static Harmony

Contrapuntal Elaboration of Static Harmony (CESH) is a technique where a single chord or a set of related chords serves as the foundation, but the composition remains engaging through variations in chord quality.

Each example below stays rooted in one main chord, either C or Cm, but creates interest by altering or extending the original chord. This creates a sense of movement without actually changing the root note.

CESH Progressions

Image of four example chord progressions demonstrating Contrapuntal Elaboration of Static Harmony (CESH). The first progression is in a Major context: C - C major seven - C seven - C six. The second is Major with an augmented fifth: C - C augmented - C six - C augmented. The third is in a Minor context: C minor - C minor major seven - C minor seven - C minor six. The fourth is Minor with an augmented fifth: C minor - C minor sharp five - C minor six - C minor sharp five.