repeated chords

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "repeated chords" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in musical contexts to describe chords that are played multiple times in a piece of music. Example: "The song features a catchy melody built around repeated chords that create a sense of familiarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Arm-blurring repeated chords?

The New York Times - Arts

There was a relief in pounding the repeated chords, which were neither contented nor plangent.

The New Yorker

His fleet runs and repeated chords are plenty dazzling of course.

The New York Times

It revolves mostly around two repeated chords, and its instrumental textures are comparatively steady.

The New York Times - Arts

So his rhythmic displacements and blase-sounding repeated chords did not achieve a stamina of their own.

The New York Times - Arts

Here Mr. Kissin deftly shifted from mystical reverie to crazed spasms of arm-blurring repeated chords and octaves.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Each "episode" is a short musical, with dialogue sung over a repeated chord progression.

The Guardian - Music

A few happenstance listeners clapped to the rhythms of Mr. Grant's piece — a series of simple, repeated chord progressions, to which a few players contributed spicy lead lines — and others joined the parade.

The New York Times - Arts

The result was entertaining enough, though even Torp's innocently childlike delivery and the Smiths' carefully repeated chord patterns couldn't establish that the piece had any real substance.

The Guardian - Music

The string score — a repeated chord progression that blossomed from a rhythmically unified, staid meditation into a grander texture without losing either its harmonic constraints or its introspective quality — was performed intact.

The New York Times - Arts

Rather than emphasizing the rhythmic drive of the repeated chord theme of the first movement, he took a restrained tempo and allowed the music to emerge in an eerie, slightly murky rumble of harmony.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing music, use "repeated chords" to clearly indicate a chord sequence played multiple times. This provides a precise and easily understood description for musicians and listeners alike.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice when describing the use of "repeated chords". Instead of saying 'The chords were repeated', opt for 'The composer repeated the chords' for a more direct and engaging description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "repeated chords" functions as a descriptive element in musical contexts. It identifies a specific technique used in composition and performance, where a chord or series of chords is played multiple times. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Music

17%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "repeated chords" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase in musical discourse. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, indicating that the phrase accurately labels a compositional technique. From news sources to wikis, and musical analysis, the term effectively communicates the presence of chordal repetition, either for building tension, emphasizing rhythm, or creating memorable hooks. When writing about music, remember to consider more vivid alternatives like "recurring chords" to avoid monotony in your description. The phrase serves as a neutral descriptor suited for general and technical audiences alike.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recurring chords

Replaces 'repeated' with 'recurring', emphasizing the cyclical nature of the chords.

iterated chords

Uses 'iterated' to suggest a more methodical and deliberate repetition.

repeated harmonic progressions

Specifies that the repetition occurs within a sequence of chords.

repetitive chord sequences

Highlights the sequential nature of the repeating chords.

constant chord repetitions

Emphasizes the continuous and unwavering nature of the repetition.

sustained chord patterns

Implies that the repeated chords form a recognizable musical pattern.

echoing chords

Suggests the chords are bouncing back, similar to an echo.

cycling chord sequences

Presents the chord repetitions as cyclical.

restated chords

Uses 'restated' to indicate that the chords are presented again.

reiterated chords

Similar to 'iterated', but with a slightly stronger emphasis on forceful repetition.

FAQs

How can I describe the effect of "repeated chords" in music?

You can describe the effect of "repeated chords" as creating a sense of rhythm, building tension, establishing a hypnotic feel, or providing a foundation for melodic development. The specific effect depends on the tempo, dynamics, and instrumentation surrounding the repeated chords.

What is the purpose of using "repeated chords" in a song?

Using "repeated chords" can serve several purposes, such as creating a catchy hook, emphasizing a particular emotion, providing a sense of stability, or building anticipation for a change in harmony.

Are there any musical genres that commonly feature "repeated chords"?

Yes, many genres frequently use "repeated chords", including minimalist music, pop music, rock music, and electronic dance music. The specific way repeated chords are implemented varies across these genres.

What are some alternatives to "repeated chords"?

Depending on the context, you could use "recurring chords", "iterated chords", or "repetitive chord sequences" as alternatives.