This is the ethical crux. As of 2025, Gordon Delamont’s work is still under copyright (he died in 1981; copyright typically lasts 70 years in Canada and the US, i.e., until 2051). However, there are legal avenues:
Yes. Modern Harmonic Technique is not a book for the casual guitarist looking for chord shapes. It is a . Delamont forces you to hear harmony in four dimensions: vertically (as a chord), horizontally (as voice leading), modally (as a color), and rhythmically (as a grid).
: Focuses on "Composite Minor," a pragmatic approach that combines all minor scale possibilities into one usable heading for easier harmonization. Functional Theory Modern Harmonic Technique Gordon Delamont Pdf
While finding a legal "free PDF" can be difficult due to copyright, this guide explains the core concepts and structure of the work to help you navigate its material. Core Concepts of Modern Harmonic Technique
In the vast ocean of music theory books, few cast as wide and deep a net as . Published during the mid-20th century boom in jazz and contemporary classical education, this text has achieved near-legendary status among composers, arrangers, and theorists. This is the ethical crux
Kendor Music has re-released some Delamont titles, specifically Modern Arranging Technique . You should first check their website. If they offer a digital edition, . Supporting the publisher encourages them to keep the legacy alive.
Delamont famously visualizes harmony as a prism. At one end is simple triadic diatonicism (C major). As you rotate the prism, you get polychords. Modern Harmonic Technique is not a book for
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes regarding book history and music theory. It does not and will not host or link to unauthorized PDF files. Always respect copyright law and the intellectual property of composers and educators.
Delamont’s approach is rigorous and structured, moving away from traditional classical theory into practical applications for modern composers.