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  1. AP Music Theory
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Part Writing of Secondary Leading Tone Chords

Hannah Hill

Hannah Hill

8 min read

Next Topic - Modes and Form

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Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers secondary leading-tone chords and modulation. It explains how to identify, use, and part-write secondary leading-tone chords, including examples and common mistakes. It also discusses tonicization, deceptive motion, and modulating to closely and distantly related keys, with examples from various composers. Finally, it provides practice questions and exam tips for the AP Music Theory exam.

#AP Music Theory: Secondary Leading Tone Chords & Modulation - Your Ultimate Review 🚀

Hey there, future music maestro! Let's get you feeling super confident about secondary leading tone chords and modulation. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource for a last-minute review, so let's dive in!

#Secondary Leading Tone Chords

Remember how much we love the dominant function of V and vii°? Well, get ready to take that love to the next level with secondary leading tone chords! These chords help us create a stronger sense of tonicization. Think of them as the spicy version of your regular leading tone chords.

#What are they?

  • Secondary leading tone chords (vii°/X) function just like regular vii° chords but in a temporary key.
  • They usually appear as seventh chords: vii°⁷ and viiø⁷.
  • In major keys, both vii°⁷ and viiø⁷ are fair game. In minor keys, stick to vii°⁷.
  • Fully diminished seventh chords (vii°⁷) are more common.
Quick Fact

Remember, secondary leading tone chords enhance the pull towards a temporary tonic, just like a regular leading tone chord pulls towards the tonic.

#Example in B Major

Let's say we're in B major and want to tonicize the IV chord (E major).

  • The leading tone in E major is D#.
  • vii°/IV: D#-F#-A♮
  • vii°⁷/IV: D#-F#-A♮-C♮
  • viiø⁷/IV: D#-F#-A♮-C#

Secondary Leading Tone Chords in B Major

Memory Aid

Think of secondary leading tone chords as mini-dominants that lead to a temporary tonic, just like how a regular leading tone chord leads to the main tonic.

#Identifying Secondary Leading Tone Chords

  1. Spot the Accidentals: If you see accidentals, it's a sign you might be dealing with a secondary chord.
  2. Is it Diminished/Half-Diminished?: If yes, and there are accidentals, you've likely found a secondary leading tone chord. Remember, V chords are usually major.
Key Concept

College Board loves to test secondary dominants and secondary ...

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Previous Topic - Tonicization through Secondary Leading Tone ChordsNext Topic - Modes and Form

Question 1 of 12

Ready to show off your skills? 😎 In the key of C major, what is the correct spelling of vii°⁷/V?

B-D-F-A

B-D-F-Ab

B-D#-F#-A

B-D-F#-A