SATB Voice Leading
The four voices in SATB writing have different characteristics. In fact, 4-part music has three separate layers. The topmost layer is the tune, found in the soprano part. The lowest …
Pedals
A “pedal” is a note which is repeated or held for some time, while the chords around it change. Pedals are normally found on either the tonic or dominant notes. …
Interrupted Cadence
Normally at the end of a phrase we find some type of cadence. If chord V (or V7) is used as the penultimate chord, the final chord of the phrase …
Progressions and Inversions
Bass Line When we harmonise a melody and select chords with specific inversions, the end result is a bass line. For example, choosing the following chords/inversions to harmonise this C …
Common Chord Progressions
Primary Chord Progressions In earlier lessons we learned about cadences and pre-cadence chords. The cadence chord progressions are all very common, whether they are used at a cadence or elsewhere …
Chord Inversions in Music
You should already have a basic understanding of chord inversions (root position, first inversion and second inversion). For a reminder, see Chord Inversions. In this lesson we’ll learn a little …
Chord II7 (Supertonic 7th)
Chord ii7 is also known as the supertonic 7th chord. It’s built from the supertonic triad, plus another third added on top: the 2nd, 4th, 7th and 1st notes of …
Chord VII – The Leading Note
Chord vii° (Diminished) The chord built up from the 7th degree of the scale, or leading note, is called the leading note triad, or chord vii° (“seven diminished”). The leading …
Chord III – The Mediant
Chord III (Major Mediant) The mediant triad built from the melodic minor scale is a major chord, because the interval between the root and 5th is a perfect 5th. This …
Chord VI – The Submediant
Chord VI – Submediant The chord built up from the 6th degree of the scale, or submediant note, is called the submediant triad; chord VI or vi. The submediant triad …