Visualising harmonic progression

[popcornn]

Hi it is a curious question to me. When I am asked to think about harmonic progressions in various keys I have a choice to think about intervals and chords visualising my instrument (fret board/keyboard) or to visualise a notation score. I wonder though are there 'advanced' ways of visualising harmonies in a more convenient clearer and more expansive way. For example I have seen various apps that use a cord wheel which seems to simplify the relatively complex gymnastics i usually find necessary.

So to advanced theorists and composers that might read this question. What is the most fruitful way to visualise harmony? Ways that lend themselves to composing and improvising ad lib.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts and suggestions.

[28lorelei]

Well, does it necessarily have to be visualization?  For example, I try to hear the progressions in my head.

[popcornn]

Well, does it necessarily have to be visualization?  For example, I try to hear the progressions in my head.

Well if you don't have perfect pitch, and I asked you what's a minor 6th above Bflat your either going to answer me because of your knowledge of the keys on the instrument or the lines on the stave, right? Both these methods are cumbersome.
I have a pianist friend (Who does not have PPitch) who tells me he 'sees' notes (and even chords) as tone colours. That leaves me a bit 'non-plused' as this method never came into my musical education. This is why I'm looking for better ways if thinking about music theory, traditional ways seem to involve to many mental calculations.

[nystul]

It's one skill to know that the minor sixth above Bb is Gb.  There are many ways one might get to this.  If you already know your major and minor scales, these answers should be fairly automatic.  If you trouble with sixths and sevenths you can use the inversions (minor sixth above = major third below etc).  If you know your circle of fifths really well you could use the perfect fifth as a reference point.

It's another skill to know what that Gb should sound like.  And that is where relative pitch, aural training, etc. come in.