Music Theory

Study and learn AP Music Theory

The vi (VI) Chord in AP Music Theory: A Complete Guide

What Is the vi (VI) Chord? In music theory, the vi chord (lowercase in major keys) or VI chord (uppercase in minor keys) is a diatonic chord built on the sixth scale degree. It plays a crucial role in harmony, often serving as a tonic substitute or predominant chord in progressions. The vi Chord in Major Keys In a major key, the vi chord is a minor […]

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Adding Predominant Function IV (iv) and ii (iio) to a Melodic Phrase – AP Music Theory Guide

Adding Predominant Function IV (iv) and ii (iio) to a Melodic Phrase In AP Music Theory, understanding harmonic progression and chord functions is essential for writing strong musical phrases. One of the most important functions in tonal music is the predominant function, which prepares the dominant (V or V7) before resolving to the tonic (I). Two of the most common predominant chords are:

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Summary of Unit 4 AP Music Theory: Explanation And Key Topics

AP Music unit 4 topics Soprano-Bass Counterpoint SATB Voice Leading Harmonic progression, functional Harmony, and cadences Voice leading with seventh chords Voice leading with seventh chords in inversions If you’re studying for the AP Music Theory exam, mastering Unit 4 is crucial. This unit dives deep into harmony, voice leading, and chord progressions—essential concepts for analyzing and writing music.

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Voice Leading with Seventh Chords in Inversions: A Complete AP Music Theory Guide

Voice leading is a fundamental skill in music theory, especially when working with seventh chords in inversions. Proper voice leading ensures smooth, logical harmonic progressions while avoiding awkward leaps and dissonances. In AP Music Theory, mastering this concept is crucial for writing and analyzing music effectively. This guide will break down:✔ What are seventh chords and their inversions?✔ Voice

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Voice Leading with Seventh Chords in AP Music Theory

Voice Leading with Seventh Chords: A Complete Guide for AP Music Theory Voice leading is a fundamental concept in music theory that ensures smooth, logical transitions between chords. When working with seventh chords, proper voice leading becomes even more crucial due to the additional tension and resolution requirements. In this guide, we’ll break down the rules of

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Harmonic Progression, Functional Harmony, and Cadences in AP Music Theory

Introduction to Harmonic Progression and Functional Harmony Harmonic progression and functional harmony are foundational concepts in AP Music Theory, shaping how chords move and create musical phrases. Understanding these principles helps composers and musicians craft coherent, expressive music. In this guide, we’ll explore: Let’s dive in! 1. What is Harmonic Progression? Harmonic progression refers to the movement

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SATB Voice Leading: A Comprehensive Guide for Composers

Introduction to SATB Voice Leading SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) voice leading is a fundamental skill for composers and arrangers working with choral music. Proper voice leading ensures smooth, harmonized transitions between chords while maintaining the independence and clarity of each vocal part. In this guide, we’ll cover:✔ The basic rules of SATB voice leading✔

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Soprano-Bass Counterpoint in AP Music Theory: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to Soprano-Bass Counterpoint Soprano-Bass counterpoint is a fundamental concept in AP Music Theory and Western classical music. It involves the interaction between the highest (soprano) and lowest (bass) voices while following strict voice-leading rules. Mastering this technique is essential for writing harmonically strong melodies and avoiding common mistakes in composition. In this guide, we’ll break down:✔ The rules

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Summary Of Unit 3 AP Music Theory With key Topics

Introduction to AP Music Theory Unit 3: Harmony & Voice Leading I Unit 3 of AP Music Theory dives into harmonic function, chord progressions, and voice leading, forming the foundation for more advanced musical analysis. This unit is crucial for understanding how chords work together to create smooth, logical progressions in Western tonal music. AP Music Theory Unit

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Seventh Chord Inversions & Figures: AP Music Theory

Introduction to Seventh Chords & Inversions Seventh chords add richness and tension to music, making them essential in harmony. In AP Music Theory, you must understand: Let’s break it all down! 1. What is a Seventh Chord? A seventh chord is a triad + a seventh interval above the root. The four types tested in AP Music Theory are: Chord

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