Suggested Learning Resources
- Root position and first inversion chords are thought of as relatively
stable, and often exhibit the harmonic function that their Roman numeral indicates. However,
second inversion (6/4) chords are relatively unstable in terms of function, and usually
function as embellishing other chords around them. There are several categories
of 6/4 chord embellishments.
- Neighbor 6/4 and Pedal 6/4 are two labels to describe the same thing
- The chords that precedes and follows this type of 6/4 are the same and
are in root position
- This type of 6/4 usually appears as I – IV 6/4 – I or V – I 6/4
– V
- The root stays the same throughout all three chords (hence the name pedal
6/4)
- The 3rd and 5th of the first chord move up by step, and then down by step
(hence the name neighbor 6/4)
- In terms of harmonic function, this type of 6/4 usually expands (or prolongs)
the functional area that precedes it.
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- Identify a chord in second inversion (usually a IV 6/4 or I 6/4)
- Look at the chords that precede and follow the chord
- See if the bass stays the same throughout (pedal point)
- Most common progressions of this type are I – IV 6/4 – I or V – I
6/4 – V
- See if the 3rd and 5th of the preceding and following chord act as neighbor
tones with the 6/4 chord
https://youtu.be/U_47ly6iTYw?t=4m53s
Objective 19.2: Identify and label the Neighbor/Pedal 6/4 in music exercises, and
identify in real music examples.