Suggested Learning Resources
- The leading tone chord is another name for the vii chord.
- The leading tone chord has a diminished quality in both major and minor
keys
- In minor keys, the 7th scale degree must be raised by one half step (to
the leading tone) in order to create a leading tone chord with the diminished quality.
- Leading tone chords can be used as dominant substitutes because the vii
chord shares two pitches of the V chord
- When asked what the leading tone chord is of a key, build a leading tone
triad (or seventh chord) on the leading tone of the key. (make sure to raise the
7th scale degree of a minor key to determine the root)
- NOTE: Although the iii chord also shares two pitches of the V chord, it
does not usually serve as a dominant substitute. While the iii chord shares two pitches
with the V chord, it also shares two pitches with the I chord… giving ambiguity to
its function. True III chords are not often seen except in harmonic sequences (discussed
later) and a few other outlier scenarios. Bonus Video: The Mediant Chord, Dr. Gawboy
Vimeo Channel https://vimeo.com/37218536
https://youtu.be/vVz0k5mpGYs
Objective 23.1: Define what a leading tone chord is, why it can be used as a dominant
substitute, and identify leading tone chords of major and minor keys