Fundamentals of Music Theory: W5

Question 1

MT: What are the different feelings associated with triad Chord inversions.

Answer 1

Root position: firm and definite.
First inversion: less firm and needs to move on.
Second inversion: Demands to move on.

Question 2

MT: What are the two correct uses of a second inversion?

Answer 2

1) a 1c 5 1 cadence (1c = 1 chord second inversion)
2) A passing second inversion: where three chords move very smoothly with the bass in conjunct motion (e.g. keep going 1 step down). The middle chord is a second chord inversion.

Question 3

MT: What are the types of cadences?

Answer 3

1) Authentic cadence(V to I)
2) interrupted (deceptive) cadence (V to vi)
3) Plagal cadence ( IV to I )
4) Half cadence: any cadence ending on V, whether preceded by V of V, ii, vi, IV, or I—or any other chord.
5) Inverted cadence: inverts the last chord.

Question 4

MT: What are some common chord progressions?

Answer 4

• Ic V7 I
• iib7 V I
• circle of fifths. (go down fifths in bass => either bass in root position all the way, or first inversion all the way)

Question 5

MT: What is modulation?

Answer 5

Going from one key to another.

Question 6

MT: How can you modulate?

Answer 6

Go to the dominant fifth of a chord (step out of the keys of the chord you’re playing in). This way you’ll want to resolve to the tonic of that new chord. You can use the circle of fifths to remember easily: the next scale modulates to the previous.