#AP Music Theory: Mastering Seventh Chords 🎶

Hey there, future music maestro! Feeling the pre-exam jitters? No worries, we've got this! Let's dive into the world of seventh chords and make sure you're absolutely ready to rock that AP Music Theory exam. This guide is designed to be your best friend tonight—clear, concise, and super helpful. Let's get started!

#Understanding Seventh Chords: Why the Fuss?

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• What is it? The note a seventh above the root. It's what makes a seventh chord a seventh chord.
• Why does it matter? It introduces dissonance and creates a need for resolution. Think of it as the spicy ingredient in your musical dish! 🌶️
• Tendency Tone: Especially in a V7 chord, the chordal seventh (4th scale degree) wants to resolve down to the 3rd scale degree, just like the leading tone wants to go up to the tonic.

#Why the different rules?

• Triads: Consist of notes a third apart, creating consonant intervals (perfect 5ths, 4ths, 6ths). Easy to arrange without clashes.
• Seventh Chords: Introduce dissonant intervals (minor/major 2nds, 7ths), requiring careful handling. Think of it as adding a pinch of salt, too much will ruin the dish! 🧂

#Voice Leading with Seventh Chords: The Golden Rules

#Rule #1: Approach the Chordal Seventh with Care

• Ideal Approach: By step or common tone. Think of it as gently guiding the seventh into place.
• Example: In A Major, moving from I to V7, the chordal seventh (D) can be approached by step from C# (step up) or E (step down).

*Caption: Approaching the chordal seventh (D) by step from C# or E.*

• When you're stuck: Ascending leap is okay. Descending leap of a third is a last resort. Avoid descending leaps as much as possible!

#Rule #2: Resolve the Chordal Seventh Down

• The Golden Rule: Resolve by a descending step. It's like letting the tension gently release. 😌
• Example: In A Major, moving from V7 to vi, the chordal seventh (D) resolves down to C#.
• Why? Avoids an unresolved seventh, which sounds unsatisfying (unless you're doing it on purpose for a specific effect).

#Rule #3: Exceptions to the Rule

• Suspensions: Keep the chordal seventh the same for the next chord, creating tension. Think of it as holding your breath before exhaling. 😮‍💨
  • Example: V7 to vii° (both dominant function), where the chordal seventh is held over.
• I-V4/3-I6: Approach the chordal seventh by step up, then resolve it by step up again (3-4-5 sequence in a middle voice). Think of it as a little upward skip before settling.

#Rule #4: Omitting Voices

• When? If it helps with voice leading in a root position V7 chord.
• What? The fifth is the only voice you can omit. Double the root.

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#The Big Picture: 25 Points Total

• Roman Numerals: 1 point each. Get it right, get the point. Simple as that!
• Chord Spelling, Doubling, and Spacing: 1 point each. Nail these, and you're golden! 🌟
• Voice Leading: 2 points per chord, with deductions for errors. This is where the details matter.

#Chord Spelling: The Non-Negotiables

• Correct Spelling: Accidentals on the correct side of the notehead.

• Root Position Triads: Fifth can be omitted, but not the third.

• Root Position Dominant 7th: Fifth can be omitted, but not the third or seventh.

• Inverted Triads and 7th Chords: Must be complete (all chord tones).

• Triads: Must have at least three voices.

• Seventh Chords: Must have at least four voices. (No two voices on same note!)

#Voice Leading: Major Errors (0 points)

• Parallel Octaves, Fifths, Unisons: Avoid these like the plague! 🙅‍♀️
• Uncharacteristic Leaps: No augmented seconds, tritones, or leaps larger than a fifth.
• Incorrect Chordal Seventh Resolution: Must resolve down by step (except in I-V4/3-I6).
• Incorrect Leading Tone Resolution: Must resolve up to the tonic (in outer voices).
• Cadential 6/4 Resolution: 6th and 4th must resolve correctly (more on this in Unit 5).
• Incorrect Number of Voices: Four voices for seventh chords, at least three for triads.

#Voice Leading: Minor Errors (-1 point)

• Rising Unequal Fifths: Not ideal, but not a total disaster.
• Hidden/Direct Octaves/Fifths: Between outer voices. Be careful!
• Overlapping Voices: Voices should not cross each other's ranges.
• Chordal Seventh Approached by Descending Leap: Not ideal, but not a total disaster.

#Leaps: Keep it Minimal

• Too Many Leaps: More than 6 leaps in total will cost you one point.

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• Approach: Step or common tone.
• Resolve: Down by step (usually).
• Exceptions: Suspensions, I-V4/3-I6. - Omit: Fifth (in root position V7).

#Final Exam Focus 🎯

#Top Priorities:

• Chordal Seventh Resolution: This is huge. Get this right, and you're halfway there.
• Parallel Octaves/Fifths: Avoid them at all costs. They're a major no-no. 🚫
• Chord Spelling: Make sure you have the correct notes and accidentals. A small mistake can cost you big.
• Voice Leading Rules: Know them inside and out. They're the foundation of good part-writing.

#Common Question Types:

• Part-Writing FRQs: Be prepared to write out a chord progression in four voices.
• Error Identification: Recognize and correct errors in given examples.
• Analysis: Analyze chord progressions and identify voice leading errors.

#Last-Minute Tips:

• Time Management: Don't get bogged down on one question. Move on and come back if you have time.
• Double-Check: Always double-check your work for errors before submitting.
• Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and trust your preparation. You've got this! 💪

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Practice Question

Practice Questions

#Multiple Choice Questions

1. In a V7 chord, the chordal seventh typically resolves: (A) Up by step (B) Down by step (C) By leap (D) By common tone

2. Which of the following is NOT a major error in voice leading? (A) Parallel octaves (B) Unresolved leading tone (C) Overlapping voices (D) Uncharacteristic leaps

3. In a root position dominant seventh chord, which chord tone may be omitted? (A) Root (B) Third (C) Fifth (D) Seventh

#Free Response Question

Compose a four-part harmonization of the following Roman numeral progression in C Major. Be sure to follow all voice leading rules.

I - V7 - vi - IV - I6 - V - I

Scoring Breakdown:

• Roman Numerals (7 points): 1 point for each correctly identified Roman numeral.
• Chord Spelling, Doubling, and Spacing (6 points): 1 point for each correctly spelled chord, with proper doubling and spacing.
• Voice Leading (12 points): 2 points for each chord transition, with deductions for errors (major errors = 0 points, minor errors = -1 point).

#Short Answer Question

Explain the concept of a tendency tone and how it relates to the chordal seventh in a V7 chord. Provide an example in the key of G major.