Analytical Study of the Chords Based on Degrees of Arab Scales (Free of Three - Quarters Interval)

Abstract

Western music is characterized by the use of harmony that enriches the melody, which was written for orchestra, some instruments, or choir through different styles of harmonic accompaniments and chord functions. While Arabic music is characterized by the rich melody, which depends on a great number of Oriental Modes without relying on Harmony, which was written in a monophonic style. Many of the Arab composers managed the integrate of their melodic ideas that based on Oriental Modes with harmony through their experience and their serious attempts. Moreover, they relied heavily on the taste without relying on scientific literature of Arabic harmony, because of its unavailability. Through this research, the researcher tries to contribute and develop those experiences through detailed analysis of all the Arabs Modes, which are free of three-quarters intervals, and to build a harmonic structure on all degrees, in order to get out a scientific study of harmony. This will open the gate for the development of the Arabic harmonic theories that provide the structure of harmonic voices, which will serve the character of Arabic music away from tradition. The researcher also considers this research as a step in the direction of creating the practical harmony just as the study of western music harmony, which relies on correct chord progressions.