Positive harmony is built on the same underlying concept as negative harmony: the idea of transforming the notes of a melody or chord progression according to a specific algorithm. However, instead of mirroring the notes across a central axis like in negative harmony, positive harmony applies the reverse operation, resulting in a different but equally structured transformation. This approach preserves the logic of the original progression while offering a fresh and contrasting perspective on the harmonic material.
In this article we’ll see how positive harmony works, with diagrams and practical examples.
Origins and theory
Positive harmony isn’t a concept you’ll find anywhere but here, it’s a Strokamin original concept that extends further the negative harmony concept. For those who lives in a musical world of melancholy and wants some sparks of hope.
The principle is this: the notes of a given Minor scale can be reflected along a chromatic circle axis and will map into the corresponding parallel Major scale. Considering for example the 𝔸 Minor scale (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) and the chromatic circle, the axis begins between C and C♯ and ends between F♯ and G.
Following this diagram, the A Minor scale (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) becomes (E, D, C♯, B, A, G♯, F#) — that is the A Major scale (A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G#) if we reorder the notes properly.
This process generates new melodies or chord progressions that still have a perceivable relationship together.
Example for harmony
Let’s start from a common Minor chord progression:
Am F G
Applying note-by-note positive harmony transformation gives:
- Am chord (A, C, E) → (E, C♯, A) — that is the A chord (A, C♯, E) if we reorder the notes properly
- F chord (F, A, C) → (G♯, E, C♯) — that is the C♯m chord (C♯, E, G♯) if we reorder the notes properly
- G chord (G, B, D) → (F♯, D, B) — that is the Bm chord (B, D, F♯) if we reorder the notes properly
Therefore, the Major counterpart of the prior chord progression is:
A C♯m Bm
Example for melody
Original phrase in A Minor:
A C B D C B A
Positive version:
E C♯ D B C♯ D E
The C sharpens while the other notes switch.
Conclusion
Positive harmony isn’t a magic formula either, but it’s a another powerful tool for composers.
It comes handy as an idea generator, reharmonizer, and complement nicely the approach proposed by the negative harmony concept.
BONUS: Positive harmony diagram for any key
With the following diagram, you’ll be able to map any Minor scale notes to their parallel Major scale notes, enjoy!
