Top Chord Progressions in Arabic Music: Embracing Non-Chordal Harmony

Arabic music has a rich and diverse history with a unique way of expressing emotions and storytelling through melody and rhythm. Despite the absence of traditional Western chord progressions, Arabic music employs distinct chord progressions that reflect its modal system. Let's explore some of the most famous chord progressions used in Arabic music and why they hold a special place in this art form.

Maqam Rast: The Foundation of Arabic Music

The Maqam Rast is considered the foundation of Arabic music. Its chord progression reflects the major scale and is commonly used in many traditional and modern Arabian songs. The basic progression is I - IV - V - I, for instance, C - F - G - C. This progression is often associated with a sense of stability and harmony, providing a stable base for more complex musical arrangements.

Maqam Hijaz: Creating Tension and Emotion

The Maqam Hijaz is known for its unique progression: I - bII - I - V, or C - Db - C - G, creating a distinct tension and emotional depth. This progression is often found in folk and classical music. The tension between the natural note and the flattened second note (bII) contributes to its emotive quality, making it a staple in Arabic music that seeks to evoke strong feelings and reactions from the audience.

Maqam Saba: Melancholic and Emotive

Maqam Saba, known for its melancholic sound, has a distinctive chord progression of I - IV - bVII - V, for example, C - F - Bb - G. This mode is frequently used in songs that require a more emotive and soulful quality. The bVII note (Bb) significantly alters the sound of the progression, giving it a unique and emotional undertone.

Maqam Bayati: Lively and Engaging

Maqam Bayati is a lively and engaging mode with a progression of I - bIII - IV - V, or C - Eb - F - G. This progression is common in traditional and popular music, lending a lively and vibrant character to the music. The flat third (bIII) note contributes to the progression's distinctive flavor, making it popular in dance and celebration.

Maqam Nahawand: Melancholic and Balladic

Maqam Nahawand is a mode often used in ballads and slower songs, with a chord progression of I - iv - V - I, akin to the natural minor scale. An example of this progression is C - Am - G - C. This mode, with its minor scale characteristics, is perfect for conveying a somber and reflective mood, making it a preferred choice for more somber and reflective compositions.

While these chord progressions are foundational, Arabic music allows for significant adaptation and variation depending on the specific style, region, and cultural context. The modal system, microtones, and melodic ornamentation play crucial roles in shaping the sound and feel of the music.

Unlike Western music, which heavily relies on major and minor scales, Arabic music emphasizes modes known as maqamat, which determine the emotional and tonal quality of the piece. Microtones, which are not typically used in Western music, add a unique and distinctive character to the chords and progressions. Melodic ornamentation further enhances the perception of these underlying chord progressions, making Arabic music a rich and complex art form.

While traditional Arabic music does not use chords or chord progressions as a central feature, some mid-20th-century and later compositions have started to incorporate chords and progressions. However, these are often used as harmonic color rather than structured progressions. The core of Arabic music remains rooted in its melodic structures derived from maqamat and rhythmic structures derived from iqa'at, making it a unique and captivating genre in world music.