The most common sequence uses fourths, also called cycle-of-fourths or cycle-of-fifths. It follows the following pattern: ascending fourth, descending fifth.

An example using chords in root position:

Other fundamental aspects of harmonic sequences

• The intervals do not have to be of the same quality. For example, we find a diminished fifth on the bass between the second and third chords.
• Each voice follows a melodic pattern:
• Soprano and alto: descending third, ascending second, descending third, ascending second, ...
• Tenor: descending second, unison, descending second, unison, ...
• We find patterns between the different voices:
• The intervals between bass and soprano are: third, fifth, third, ...
• Between tenor and alto: fourth, third, fourth, ...
• Similar patterns occur between any of the voices.

Using seventh chords

Using inversions

The modulating sequence

Using dominant seventh chords

Using diminished seventh chords

Combined triads, dominants and diminished seventh chords

Tritone substitution

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