Introduction
In AP Music Theory, understanding additional chords is crucial for analyzing and composing advanced harmonic progressions. These chords go beyond the basic diatonic harmony, introducing chromaticism and richer tonal colors.
This guide covers:
- Secondary Dominants
- Neapolitan Chords
- Augmented Sixth Chords
- Common-Tone Diminished Chords
- Altered Dominants
Let’s dive in!
1. Secondary Dominants (Applied Chords)
A secondary dominant is a dominant chord (V or V7) that temporarily tonicizes a non-tonic chord.
How They Work:
- Resolve to a chord other than the tonic (e.g., V7/ii → ii).
- Create a stronger pull toward the target chord.
Example in C Major:
- V7/V (D7) resolves to V (G).
- V7/vi (E7) resolves to vi (Am).
Why They Matter: Secondary dominants add tension and direction in chord progressions.
2. Neapolitan Chords (♭II)
The Neapolitan chord is a major chord built on the flattened second scale degree (♭II).
Characteristics:
- Usually in first inversion (N⁶).
- Resolves to V or a cadential ⁶₄ chord.
Example in C Minor:
- N⁶ (D♭ major) → V (G major).
Why They Matter: Adds a dramatic, dark color before the dominant.
3. Augmented Sixth Chords
These chords contain an augmented sixth interval and resolve outward to the octave.
Three Types:
- Italian ⁶ (It⁶) – Contains ♭6, 1, and #4.
- French ⁶ (Fr⁶) – Adds a 2 (e.g., ♭6, 1, 2, #4).
- German ⁶ (Gr⁶) – Adds a ♭3 (e.g., ♭6, 1, ♭3, #4).
Example in C Major:
- Gr⁶ (A♭-C-E♭-F#) resolves to V (G).
Why They Matter: Creates intense leading-tone motion toward the dominant.
4. Common-Tone Diminished Chords (CT°7)
A diminished seventh chord that shares a common tone with the next chord.
Example in C Major:
- C°7 (C-E♭-G♭-B♭♭) resolves to I (C major).
Why They Matter: Smooth voice-leading and embellishment.
5. Altered Dominants (V7 with #5, ♭5, or ♭9)
These are dominant seventh chords with altered extensions for extra tension.
Examples:
- V7♭9 (G7 with A♭)
- V7#5 (G7 with D#)
Why They Matter: Adds jazz and classical chromaticism.
Conclusion
Mastering additional chords in AP Music Theory enhances harmonic analysis and composition. Whether it’s secondary dominants, Neapolitan chords, or augmented sixth chords, these concepts unlock deeper musical expression.
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