Chapter 9: Triads In Second Inversion

Question 1

How to six-four (second inversion) chords come about?

Answer 1

Six-four (second inversion) chords come about through:
1) Bass arpeggiation involving a root position triad, a first inversion triad, or both.

2) Melodic bass

Question 2

Name the 3 types of six-four chords:

Answer 2

1) Cadential six-four
2) Passing six-four
3) Pedal six-four

Question 3

Explain a Cadential Six-Four chord:

Answer 3

• It’s found at the end of a phrase (hence the word cadence).
• It’s a tonic six-four that delays the arrival of the V chord that follows it.
• The I64 chord and a V chord are seen as a collective unit (most of the time.)

Question 4

Explain the main points of the Passing six-four chord:

Answer 4

Passing six-four chords:

• MUST BE STEPWISE IN THE BASS.
• usually falls on a weak beat w/ smooth voice leading
• a tone thrown in for stepwise motion in the bass
• harmonizes the middle note of a three-note chord

Question 5

Explain the main points of the Pedal tone six-four chord:

Answer 5

Pedal-tone six-four chords:
-have a note sustained (usually in the bass) while other notes move on top. (Think bass part with the rest of the orchestra, or an organ piece.)
-Elaborates on the root position chord that precedes it, and usually follows it as well.
-most six-four chords are I64 or IV64 chords
-voice leading is usually as smooth as possible
In four-part writing, the 5th is almost always doubled.