AP Music Theory: Predominants, Submediants, and Cadences - Your Ultimate Review 🎶

Hey there, future music maestro! Let's get you prepped and confident for your AP Music Theory exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource for a quick, effective review, focusing on the need-to-know info for the big day. Let's dive in!

5.1: Expanding Phrases with Predominant Harmonies (ii and IV)

What are Predominant Harmonies?

• Predominant chords (ii and IV in major, ii° and iv in minor) ➡️ They lead to the dominant (V).
• Think of them as the preparatory step before the dominant, expanding the basic T-D-T (Tonic-Dominant-Tonic) progression to T-PD-D-T (Tonic-Predominant-Dominant-Tonic).
• They create a stronger sense of harmonic movement and are used more frequently than just T-D-T progressions.

The Subdominant (IV/iv)

• The IV chord (or iv in minor) is a common first predominant chord because it's a perfect fifth below the tonic, following the circle of fifths.

The Supertonic (ii/ii°)

• The ii chord (or ii° in minor) is a weaker substitute for the IV chord, adding harmonic interest.
• It often follows the IV chord to expand the predominant section (IV-ii).

Voice Leading