Unit 6: Chords and Harmony

Question 1

In a major key:

Answer 1

Scale degrees 1, 4 and 5 are major.
Scale degrees 2, 3, and 6 are minor.
Scale degree 7 is diminished.

Question 2

In a minor key:

Answer 2

Scale degrees III, V, and VI are major.
Scale degrees i and iv are minor.
Scale degrees ii- and vii- are diminished.

When harmonic, scale degree III+ is augmented.

Question 3

Functional chord symbol vs. root/quality chord symbol:

Answer 3

IV vs F major

Question 4

What are the functional chord symbols for triad inversions?

Answer 4

Root: I (5,3)
First: I (6,3)
Second: I (6,4)

Abbreviate to I, I (6), and I (6, 4) respectively.

Question 5

What are the functional chord symbols for 7th inversions?

Answer 5

Root: V (7, 5, 3)
First: V (6, 5, 3)
Second: V (6, 4, 3)
Third: V (6, 4, 2)

Abbreviate to V7, V65, V43, and V42.

Question 6

Plagal cadences consist of chords:

Answer 6

IV to I

Question 7

In keyboard style, cadences are written:

Answer 7

• With root note in the bassline
• Notes of first chord in the treble clef directly above the bottom note
• Common tone from chord to chord is in the same voice

Question 8

In chorale style, cadences are written:

Answer 8

• With root note in the bassline
• Root, third, and fifth of the first chord within the range of each voice part
• Common tone from chord to chord is in the same voice
• Soprano and alto in treble staff, tenor and bass in bass

Question 9

Authentic cadence:

Answer 9

V to I

Question 10

Half cadence:

Answer 10

Anything to V