Can one measure the "distance" between chords? If so, how?

Question

I was reading an article an the author gave the following sequence of chords:\nC A7 Dm G C \n\nI would like to measure the "distance" if there is such a thing between C and A7. Can this be done? \n\nIn other words, I am asking if there are any prominent models that somehow quantify relationships between chords in terms of a metric space (i.e. with a distance function).

Answer 1

If I am understanding your question correctly, my answer would be that "intervals" are used as the measurement between notes. Though chords are just two or more notes played simultaneously, we can still use intervals to measure the "space" in between the root notes in a chord.

The interval between C and A would be a major 6th.

C Major Scale: C D E F G A B (C)

Major Scale Intervals: root, major 2nd, major 3rd, perfect 4th, perfect 5th, major 6th, major 7th, (octave)

C is the root, D is major 2nd, E is major 3rd, F is perfect 4th, G is perfect 5th, A is major 6th, B is major 7th.

While you can determine the intervals of every note between two chords, I feel that to answer your question that would be unnecessary as the interval between just the root notes is usually satisfactory.

Hope that helps!