Deriving the first 2 chords of Old and Wise - Alan Parsons Project

The key is A minor so all notes are white.


First chord is A C E


Second chord is G B C E


3rd chord is F A C E


Transition from 1st to 2nd can be derived by thinking of C E (pedal) repeated on the second chord.


And at the same time A C changing to G B (parallel 3rds).


So 4 voices singing:


A C C E


G B C E



The same chord progression is on the song Hello - Lionel Ritchie.
In fact the same key (A minor) is used.


See also:


Bach Bass Rules - Bach, Niedt - PDF