The ↓4 ↑2 Sequence

By Ian Campbell

This sequence is everywhere!!!

From Arosmith’s ‘Cryin” to Pachelbel’s ‘Canon in D” there are SO many pop songs and classical pieces that use this pattern!

Play ① ⑤ ⑥ ③ ④ ① ④ ⑤ ① in lower register in D major (of course we have to start this in D major!)
Try putting a 8v above ①, then a 3rd above ⑤. Then repeat that: a 8v above ⑥, a 3rd above ③, repeat again, a 8v above ④, a 3rd above ①. And now a little cadence, stollen from the Rule of the Octave: put a 8v above, ④ a 5th above ⑤, then an 8v above ①.
Try putting a 3rd above ①, then a 5ths above ⑤. Then repeat that: a 3rd above ⑥, a 5th above ③, repeat again, a 3rd above ④, a 5th above ①. And now a little cadence, stollen from the Rule of the Octave: put a 3rd above ④, a 8v above ⑤, then an 5th above ①.
Finally try putting a 5th above ①, then a 8v above ⑤. Then repeat that: a 5th above ⑥, a 8v above ③, repeat again, a 5th above ④, a 8v above ①. And now a little cadence, stollen from the Rule of the Octave: put a 6th above ④, a 5th above ⑤, then an 3rd above ①.

Are you up for a challenge?

Try transposing the ↓4 ↑2 sequence to C major and B flat major.
Try different patterns of intervals above each bass note

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