Negative harmony is a fascinating concept that has captured the imagination of both musicians and theorists. Popularized in recent years by artists like Jacob Collier, it’s based on a seemingly simple idea: replacing the notes of a melody or chord progression around a cleverly chosen axis, almost like looking at music in a mirror. Behind this simplicity, however, lies a powerful tool capable of transforming the mood of a piece and opening up fresh creative possibilities.
In this article, we’ll explore the origins of negative harmony, how it works, its emotional impact, and practical examples of how to use it.
Origins and Theory
Negative harmony isn’t a brand-new invention. The idea of symmetry in music has been around for centuries. You can find traces of it in Bach’s counterpoint, in some Romantic works, and in 20th-century contemporary music. The actual term negative harmony was introduced by Swiss theorist Ernst Levy in his book A Theory of Harmony (1951).
The principle is this: the notes of a Major scale can be reflected along a chromatic circle axis and will map into the parallel Minor scale. Considering the C Major scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, B) and the chromatic circle, the axis begins between E and E♭ and ends between A and B♭. Each note above that axis is mirrored below, and vice versa:
Following this diagram, the C Major scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, B) becomes (G, F, E♭, D, C, B♭, A♭) — that is the C Minor scale (C, D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭) if we reorder the notes properly.
This reflection generates new melodies or chord progressions that still maintain harmonic coherence.
A Practical Example
Let’s start from a common Major chord progression:
C Am F G
Applying note-by-note the transformation gives:
- C chord (C, E, G) → (G, E♭, C): it is the Cm chord (C, E♭, G) after having reordered the notes
- Am chord (A, C, E) → (B♭, G, E♭): it is the E♭ chord (E♭, G, B♭) after having reordered the notes
- F chord (F, A, C) → (D, B♭, G): it is the Gm chord (G, B♭, D) after having reordered the notes
- G chord (G, B, D) → (C, A♭, F): it is the Fm chord (F, A♭, C) after having reordered the notes
The Minor counterpart of the prior chord progression is then:
Cm E♭ Gm Fm
It’s not just a transposition—the entire atmosphere shifts. What began as bright and pop-like now feels darker and more introspective.
Why Does It Sound So Different?
The magic of negative harmony is that it keeps certain functions intact while altering the color of the chords.
- Cadences remain, but their emotional effect changes.
- Consonant intervals often become more ambiguous.
- Melodic movements are preserved but inverted—familiar yet strange.
It’s like recognizing a familiar face in a mirror—it’s the same, but it belongs to another world.
Creative Uses
Reimagining Standards
Jazz and pop musicians often enjoy rewriting standards with negative harmony. A blues in C, for example, can become a Minor blues with a completely new flavor.
Variations on a Theme
Turning a simple melody into its negative form can create a variation or counter-theme. This works especially well in film music, where a theme might reappear in a darker or softer version.
Improvisation
In jazz improvisation, flipping a phrase on the fly can expand your vocabulary. It takes practice, but it’s a great way to spark creativity.
A Melody Example
Original phrase in C Major:
C D G E C
Negative version:
G F C E♭ G
The E flattens while the other notes switch. Played over the same chords, the rhythm feels familiar but the mood shifts.
Jacob Collier and the Revival
British multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier has brought negative harmony to a wide audience. In his interviews and tutorials, he demonstrates how familiar songs can be transformed using the concept. His playful approach has inspired countless musicians to experiment.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- A quick tool for generating variations
- Deepens understanding of interval relationships
- Offers fresh perspectives on existing songs
- Works on both harmony and melody
Limitations
- Doesn’t always sound “pleasant,” depending on context
- Can disrupt natural tension and resolution
- Requires some theoretical knowledge to use effectively
How to Practice
- Find the axis: in any key, identify where the symmetry axis lies.
- Create a chart: list each note and its negative partner.
- Start small: try simple melodies like children’s songs.
- Apply to chords: begin with four-chord progressions.
- Mix and match: alternate between the original and its negative for contrast.
Emotional Impact
What makes negative harmony so appealing is its emotional depth:
- A joyful song can become melancholic.
- A dark theme can turn strangely luminous.
- The surprise effect grabs the listener’s attention.
It’s a bit like a photographic negative: shadows become light, and light becomes shadow.
Conclusion
Negative harmony isn’t a magic formula, but it’s a powerful tool for transformation. It challenges us to look at music from another angle, to explore beauty in inversion, and to remember that every idea has a reflection that might be just as inspiring.
Whether you’re composing, improvising, or just curious, experimenting with negative harmony can expand your musical palette. And if you ever feel stuck writing, maybe the answer lies… on the other side of the mirror.
BONUS: Negative harmony diagram for any key
With the following diagram, you’ll be able to map any Major scale notes to their parallel Minor scale notes, enjoy!
