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.
- An arpeggiating 6/4 chord occurs when the previous and/or following chord(s)
is/are the same Roman Numeral quality as the 6/4 chord, and the 6/4 chord occurs
as a result of changing bass note.
- In terms of harmonic function, this type of 6/4 prolongs the functional
area of the chord that precedes it.
- NOTE: The presence or absence of arpeggios is not what makes an arpeggiating
6/4 chord
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- Identify a chord in second inversion
- Look at the chords that precede and follow the chord
- If either chord that precedes or follows the 6/4 chord is the same Roman
Numeral quality as the 6/4 chord, and the bass changes to create 6/4 chord, you have
an arpeggiating 6/4 chord
https://youtu.be/U_47ly6iTYw?t=8m47s
Objective 19.3: Define and label the Arpeggiating 6/4 in music exercises, and identify
in real music examples