#AP Music Theory: Predominant Chords - Your Ultimate Review 🚀

Hey there, future music maestro! Let's get you feeling super confident about predominant chords for your AP Music Theory exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the big day. Let's dive in!

#1. Harmonic Functions: The Big Picture 🎼

Before we zoom into predominant chords, let's quickly recap harmonic functions. These are the roles chords play in a musical piece. Think of it like characters in a story: some are the 'home' (tonic), others create tension (dominant), and some lead us to the tension (predominant).

Tonic (T): The 'home' chord, providing stability. Examples: I, vi, and iii (major); i, VI, and III (minor).
Dominant (D): Creates tension and pulls towards the tonic. Examples: V⁷ or viio.
Predominant (PD): Creates a bridge between tonic and dominant, adding harmonic interest. Examples: ii, IV (major); ii°, iv (minor).

Key Concept

Remember, understanding harmonic function is key to analyzing and composing music. It's the foundation of tonal harmony!

#Visualizing Harmonic Functions

Here's a helpful image to visualize how these functions relate:

Harmonic Functions

Caption: Chords are grouped by their function: Tonic, Dominant, and Predominant.

#2. The Importance of Predominant Chords 💡

So, why do we need predominant chords? Well, a simple T-D-T (Tonic-Dominant-Tonic) phrase can feel a bit basic. Predominant chords add tension and harmonic interest by expanding the phrase to T-PD-D-T. They act as a 'preparation' for the dominant, making the resolution to the tonic even more satisfying.

Predominant chords are crucial for creating sophisticated and engaging chord progressions. They frequently appear in both multiple-choice and free-response questions.

#From T-D-T to T-PD-D-T

T-D-T: Basic phrase structure (Tonic - Dominant - Tonic).
T-PD-D-T: Expanded phrase structure (Tonic - Predominant - Dominant - Tonic).

This expansion is super common in music, so understanding it is a must!

#3. Common Predominant Chords

#3.1. The Subdominant Chord (IV or iv)

The subdominant chord (IV in major, iv in minor) is a popular choice for the first predominant chord. It's a perfect fifth below the tonic, making it a smooth transition. Plus, it often allows for stepwise motion from the tonic.

Major Key: IV (e.g., in C major: F-A-C)
Minor Key: iv (e.g., in A minor: D-F-A)

#Example

Subdominant Chord Example

Caption: Notice the iv chord in first inversion (iv6). This is a common way to use the subdominant in a minor key.

Quick Fact

The subdominant chord is often used as a starting point for the predominant section because it moves smoothly from the tonic.

#3.2. The Supertonic Chord (ii or ii°)

The supertonic chord (ii in major, ii° in minor) adds a bit more spice. It's a 'weaker' substitute for the IV chord but still does the job of leading to the dominant. It often appears after the IV chord, further expanding the predominant section.

Major Key: ii (e.g., in C major: D-F-A)
Minor Key: ii° (e.g., in A minor: B-D-F)

Memory Aid

Think of the supertonic chord as the 'spice' in your musical recipe. It adds a little extra flavor to the progression.

#Inversions

ii6 and ii°6: Supertonic chords are often in first inversion. This emphasizes the subdominant function and creates a smoother bass line.

#3.3. The ii7 Chord

In a major scale, the ii7 chord is often used as a predominant chord, leading to the dominant chord.
In a minor scale, the ii7 chord can be used as a tonic substitute or as a leading chord.

We'll get into more detail about predominant seventh chords in Unit 5.3!

#4. Voice Leading: Smooth Transitions 🎶

Smooth voice leading is key to making your chord progressions sound great. When moving from a predominant chord to a V⁷, keep these points in mind:

Common Tones: Keep common tones between chords in the same voice when possible.
Contrary Motion: Move voices in contrary motion with the bass to avoid parallel fifths and octaves.
Preparation of the 7th: The chordal seventh of the V⁷ must be prepared by a common tone.

#Visualizing Voice Leading

Voice Leading Example

Caption: This image shows how to transition from a predominant chord to a V7 chord, paying attention to voice leading.

Exam Tip

Always double-check your voice leading, especially when moving to a V⁷ chord. Common tones and contrary motion are your best friends!

#5. Putting It All Together: T-PD-D-T 🧩

Now that we know about predominant chords, let's see how they fit into the overall phrase structure:

#Major Key Template

Major Key Template

Caption: A visual guide for constructing a T-PD-D-T phrase in a major key.

#Minor Key Template

Minor Key Template

Caption: A visual guide for constructing a T-PD-D-T phrase in a minor key.

#Key Points to Remember

Placement: Predominant chords always come before the dominant section.
Options:
- Major: IV, ii6, or ii
- Minor: iv or ii°6
Voice Leading: Use contrary motion with the bass to avoid parallelism.

Common Mistake

Forgetting to use contrary motion with the bass is a common error. Always double-check for parallel fifths and octaves!

#Visualizing Contrary Motion

Contrary Motion

Caption: Contrary motion with the bass helps you avoid voice-leading errors when working with pre-dominant chords.

#6. Final Exam Focus 🎯

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's what you absolutely need to nail for the exam:

Harmonic Functions: Know the roles of tonic, dominant, and predominant chords.
Predominant Chords: Be able to identify and use IV, ii, iv, and ii° chords in both major and minor keys.
Voice Leading: Master the rules for voice leading, especially when moving from predominant to dominant chords.
T-PD-D-T Structure: Understand how predominant chords expand the basic phrase structure.

#Last-Minute Tips

Time Management: Don't spend too long on any one question. If you're stuck, move on and come back later.
Common Pitfalls: Watch out for parallel fifths and octaves. Double-check your voice leading!
Strategies: Practice writing out chord progressions and analyzing examples. The more you do, the more comfortable you'll feel.

#7. Practice Questions

Practice Question

#Multiple Choice Questions

In a major key, which of the following chords typically functions as a predominant chord? (a) I (b) V (c) IV (d) vii°
In a minor key, which of the following is a common predominant chord? (a) III (b) VI (c) iv (d) V
Which of the following is the correct order of harmonic functions in a typical phrase? (a) T-D-PD-T (b) T-PD-T-D (c) T-D-T (d) T-PD-D-T

#Free Response Question

Given the following melody in G major, provide a four-part harmonization using appropriate harmonic functions, including predominant chords.

(Melody: G4-A4-B4-C5-D5-C5-B4-A4-G4)

Scoring Breakdown:

Correct Bass Line: 2 points
- 1 point for correct bass notes under each melody note.
- 1 point for correct rhythm in the bass line.
Appropriate Harmonic Functions: 4 points
- 1 point for each correctly identified harmonic function (T, PD, D).
- 1 point for using a predominant chord before the dominant.
Correct Voice Leading: 4 points
- 1 point for avoiding parallel fifths and octaves.
- 1 point for proper treatment of the chordal seventh.
- 1 point for smooth voice leading between chords.
- 1 point for correct spacing of voices.

Example Answer

Melody	G4	A4	B4	C5	D5	C5	B4	A4	G4
Soprano	G4	A4	B4	C5	D5	C5	B4	A4	G4
Alto	B3	C4	D4	E4	F#4	E4	D4	C4	B3
Tenor	D3	E3	F#3	G3	A3	G3	F#3	E3	D3
Bass	G2	D3	G2	C3	D3	G2	D3	C3	G2
Harmony	I	V6/5	I	IV	V	I	V6/5	IV	I

#Short Answer Question

Explain the purpose of using predominant chords in a musical phrase. Provide an example of a common predominant chord in both major and minor keys.

Answer: Predominant chords are used to create tension and harmonic interest in a musical phrase by expanding the basic phrase structure from T-D-T to T-PD-D-T. They act as a preparation for the dominant chord, making the resolution to the tonic more satisfying. A common predominant chord in a major key is the IV chord, while in a minor key, it is the iv chord.

You've got this! Review this guide, practice a bit, and go into the exam with confidence. You're well-prepared, and I'm cheering you on! 🎉

#AP Music Theory: Predominant Chords - Your Ultimate Review 🚀

#1. Harmonic Functions: The Big Picture 🎼

Tonic (T): The 'home' chord, providing stability. Examples: I, vi, and iii (major); i, VI, and III (minor).
Dominant (D): Creates tension and pulls towards the tonic. Examples: V⁷ or viio.
Predominant (PD): Creates a bridge between tonic and dominant, adding harmonic interest. Examples: ii, IV (major); ii°, iv (minor).

Key Concept

Remember, understanding harmonic function is key to analyzing and composing music. It's the foundation of tonal harmony!

#Visualizing Harmonic Functions

Here's a helpful image to visualize how these functions relate:

Harmonic Functions

Caption: Chords are grouped by their function: Tonic, Dominant, and Predominant.

#2. The Importance of Predominant Chords 💡

Predominant chords are crucial for creating sophisticated and engaging chord progressions. They frequently appear in both multiple-choice and free-response questions.

#From T-D-T to T-PD-D-T

T-D-T: Basic phrase structure (Tonic - Dominant - Tonic).
T-PD-D-T: Expanded phrase structure (Tonic - Predominant - Dominant - Tonic).

This expansion is super common in music, so understanding it is a must!

#3. Common Predominant Chords

#3.1. The Subdominant Chord (IV or iv)

Major Key: IV (e.g., in C major: F-A-C)
Minor Key: iv (e.g., in A minor: D-F-A)

#Example

Subdominant Chord Example

Caption: Notice the iv chord in first inversion (iv6). This is a common way to use the subdominant in a minor key.

Quick Fact

The subdominant chord is often used as a starting point for the predominant section because it moves smoothly from the tonic.

#3.2. The Supertonic Chord (ii or ii°)

Major Key: ii (e.g., in C major: D-F-A)
Minor Key: ii° (e.g., in A minor: B-D-F)

Memory Aid

Think of the supertonic chord as the 'spice' in your musical recipe. It adds a little extra flavor to the progression.

#Inversions

ii6 and ii°6: Supertonic chords are often in first inversion. This emphasizes the subdominant function and creates a smoother bass line.

#3.3. The ii7 Chord

In a major scale, the ii7 chord is often used as a predominant chord, leading to the dominant chord.
In a minor scale, the ii7 chord can be used as a tonic substitute or as a leading chord.

We'll get into more detail about predominant seventh chords in Unit 5.3!

#4. Voice Leading: Smooth Transitions 🎶

Smooth voice leading is key to making your chord progressions sound great. When moving from a predominant chord to a V⁷, keep these points in mind:

Common Tones: Keep common tones between chords in the same voice when possible.
Contrary Motion: Move voices in contrary motion with the bass to avoid parallel fifths and octaves.
Preparation of the 7th: The chordal seventh of the V⁷ must be prepared by a common tone.

#Visualizing Voice Leading

Voice Leading Example

Caption: This image shows how to transition from a predominant chord to a V7 chord, paying attention to voice leading.

Exam Tip

Always double-check your voice leading, especially when moving to a V⁷ chord. Common tones and contrary motion are your best friends!

#5. Putting It All Together: T-PD-D-T 🧩

Now that we know about predominant chords, let's see how they fit into the overall phrase structure:

#Major Key Template

Major Key Template

Caption: A visual guide for constructing a T-PD-D-T phrase in a major key.

#Minor Key Template

Minor Key Template

Caption: A visual guide for constructing a T-PD-D-T phrase in a minor key.

#Key Points to Remember

Placement: Predominant chords always come before the dominant section.
Options:
- Major: IV, ii6, or ii
- Minor: iv or ii°6
Voice Leading: Use contrary motion with the bass to avoid parallelism.

Common Mistake

Forgetting to use contrary motion with the bass is a common error. Always double-check for parallel fifths and octaves!

#Visualizing Contrary Motion

Contrary Motion

Caption: Contrary motion with the bass helps you avoid voice-leading errors when working with pre-dominant chords.

#6. Final Exam Focus 🎯

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's what you absolutely need to nail for the exam:

Harmonic Functions: Know the roles of tonic, dominant, and predominant chords.
Predominant Chords: Be able to identify and use IV, ii, iv, and ii° chords in both major and minor keys.
Voice Leading: Master the rules for voice leading, especially when moving from predominant to dominant chords.
T-PD-D-T Structure: Understand how predominant chords expand the basic phrase structure.

#Last-Minute Tips

Time Management: Don't spend too long on any one question. If you're stuck, move on and come back later.
Common Pitfalls: Watch out for parallel fifths and octaves. Double-check your voice leading!
Strategies: Practice writing out chord progressions and analyzing examples. The more you do, the more comfortable you'll feel.

#7. Practice Questions

Practice Question

#Multiple Choice Questions

In a major key, which of the following chords typically functions as a predominant chord? (a) I (b) V (c) IV (d) vii°
In a minor key, which of the following is a common predominant chord? (a) III (b) VI (c) iv (d) V
Which of the following is the correct order of harmonic functions in a typical phrase? (a) T-D-PD-T (b) T-PD-T-D (c) T-D-T (d) T-PD-D-T

#Free Response Question

Given the following melody in G major, provide a four-part harmonization using appropriate harmonic functions, including predominant chords.

(Melody: G4-A4-B4-C5-D5-C5-B4-A4-G4)

Scoring Breakdown:

Correct Bass Line: 2 points
- 1 point for correct bass notes under each melody note.
- 1 point for correct rhythm in the bass line.
Appropriate Harmonic Functions: 4 points
- 1 point for each correctly identified harmonic function (T, PD, D).
- 1 point for using a predominant chord before the dominant.
Correct Voice Leading: 4 points
- 1 point for avoiding parallel fifths and octaves.
- 1 point for proper treatment of the chordal seventh.
- 1 point for smooth voice leading between chords.
- 1 point for correct spacing of voices.

Example Answer

Melody	G4	A4	B4	C5	D5	C5	B4	A4	G4
Soprano	G4	A4	B4	C5	D5	C5	B4	A4	G4
Alto	B3	C4	D4	E4	F#4	E4	D4	C4	B3
Tenor	D3	E3	F#3	G3	A3	G3	F#3	E3	D3
Bass	G2	D3	G2	C3	D3	G2	D3	C3	G2
Harmony	I	V6/5	I	IV	V	I	V6/5	IV	I

#Short Answer Question

Explain the purpose of using predominant chords in a musical phrase. Provide an example of a common predominant chord in both major and minor keys.

You've got this! Review this guide, practice a bit, and go into the exam with confidence. You're well-prepared, and I'm cheering you on! 🎉

Adding Predominant Function IV (iv) and ii (ii0) to a Melodic Phrase

Samuel Baker

#AP Music Theory: Predominant Chords - Your Ultimate Review 🚀

#1. Harmonic Functions: The Big Picture 🎼

#Visualizing Harmonic Functions

#2. The Importance of Predominant Chords 💡

#From T-D-T to T-PD-D-T

#3. Common Predominant Chords

#3.1. The Subdominant Chord (IV or iv)

#Example

#3.2. The Supertonic Chord (ii or ii°)

#Inversions

#3.3. The ii7 Chord

#4. Voice Leading: Smooth Transitions 🎶

#Visualizing Voice Leading

#5. Putting It All Together: T-PD-D-T 🧩

#Major Key Template

#Minor Key Template

#Key Points to Remember

#Visualizing Contrary Motion

#6. Final Exam Focus 🎯

#Last-Minute Tips

#7. Practice Questions

#Multiple Choice Questions

#Free Response Question

#Short Answer Question

Explore more resources

How are we doing?

Adding Predominant Function IV (iv) and ii (ii0) to a Melodic Phrase

Samuel Baker

#AP Music Theory: Predominant Chords - Your Ultimate Review 🚀

#1. Harmonic Functions: The Big Picture 🎼

#Visualizing Harmonic Functions

#2. The Importance of Predominant Chords 💡

#From T-D-T to T-PD-D-T

#3. Common Predominant Chords

#3.1. The Subdominant Chord (IV or iv)

#Example

#3.2. The Supertonic Chord (ii or ii°)

#Inversions

#3.3. The ii7 Chord

#4. Voice Leading: Smooth Transitions 🎶

#Visualizing Voice Leading

#5. Putting It All Together: T-PD-D-T 🧩

#Major Key Template

#Minor Key Template

#Key Points to Remember

#Visualizing Contrary Motion

#6. Final Exam Focus 🎯

#Last-Minute Tips

#7. Practice Questions

#Multiple Choice Questions

#Free Response Question

#Short Answer Question

Explore more resources

How are we doing?