NRT – An example progression

Let’s look at a typical progression and see what relationships we have between the chords.

This progression can be analyzed with jazz/pop chord symbols and roman numerals as shown below:

The relationship between each two chords can also be analyzed as an NRT transformation.

Chords 1-2 (F to D-): Relative relationship (R) since F major and D minor are relative major and minor keys.

Chords 2-3 (D- to Bb): Leading tone relationship (L) since D- and Bb major have 2 notes in common and the other notes are a half step away.

Chords 3-4 (Bb to Bb-): Parallel relationship (P) since Bb major and Bb minor are parallel major and minor chords/keys.

Chords 4-5 (Bb- to Gb): Leading tone relationship (L) since Bb- and Gb major have 2 notes in common and the other notes are a half step away.

These relationships can be seen below:

These relationships can be seen on the tonnetz as follows:

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