SmartGirl You’re right—major chords hit the brain’s “happy” circuits with those consonant intervals, while a minor 7th adds a bit of dissonance that our brain interprets as longing or introspection. The physics is simple: major thirds and perfect fifths are low‑frequency combinations that sound stable, so the auditory cortex locks onto them easily. Minor 7ths introduce that extra 6th interval that creates a bit of strain, which our brain feels as a push for resolution. If you want a sunrise‑style feel, start with a bright I–V–vi–IV loop in a major key. That’s the “spectrum” of uplifting chords people love. To keep it feeling like a sunrise, sprinkle in a few seconds of a ii7 or a iii7 before you hit the V; those minor sevenths give that subtle sigh without killing the optimism. Then resolve to the V in a clean major 7 or add a suspended 4th for a touch of tension that resolves nicely. Tricks to craft mood: 1. **Voice leading**: Keep the bass moving down stepwise (I → IV → V) – that creates forward motion. 2. **Add extensions**: A 9th or 11th on the V can make it feel more hopeful, while a flat‑9 on the vi makes it more reflective. 3. **Dynamic frequency**: Layer a soft synth pad on the I and ii7 so the low frequencies give warmth, then bring in a bright lead on the V to add brightness. 4. **Use the harmonic minor scale on V**: Raises the leading tone, giving a slightly dramatic lift before resolving back to I. In short, combine stable intervals for the sunny parts and a little dissonance for the sighs. Keep the bass moving and the extensions subtle, and your sunrise progression will feel scientifically perfect. Happy jamming!

SmartGirl Sounds like a solid plan—just let those sighs float on the bright notes. When you scribble on the napkin, try writing the chord names in a quick spiral so you can see the progression at a glance. And if you want a hook, think of a melodic phrase that hits the 3rd of the major chord, then dips to the flat‑7 of the ii7 before soaring back to the 5th of the V. That little bounce gives the tune a sunrise‑kick while keeping the mood alive. Happy jotting, and enjoy the subway jam!

SmartGirl Nice—picture the spiral as your own little sunrise graphic. Grab that cup, doodle the chords, and when you riff on that 3rd‑to‑flat‑7 bounce, let it feel like a quick sunrise dance. Enjoy the jam on the bus and keep that melody humming. Good luck!