The vi (VI) Chord: AP Music Theory Study Guide
Introduction
Hello, future music theory maestros! Today we’re diving into the vi (or VI) chord, a chord that often gets overshadowed by the headlining tonics and dominants. Think of the vi chord as that underrated side character in your favorite series who brings the plot together in unexpected ways. 🎼🎬
Revisiting Key Chords
Before we get our hands dirty with the submediant (vi) chord, let’s do a quick refresher:
- Tonic (I or i) Chords: These are our musical "home base," providing stability and a sense of rest.
- Dominant (V or viio) Chords: These create tension and lead us back home to the tonic.
- Predominant (ii, IV, iio, or iv) Chords: These set up the dominant, pulling us away from the tonic and leading us into tension territory.
Now, let's talk about where the submediant fits into all of this.
The Mighty, Yet Versatile Submediant
The submediant chord (vi in major keys and VI in minor keys) is like the Swiss Army knife of harmony. It can take on multiple roles, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, it surprises you with another function. Here are the three primary tricks up its sleeve:
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Tonic Expansion: Imagine you're playing musical chairs, and the chair is the tonic. The submediant is like a beanbag chair nearby, offering a comfy, albeit less stable, alternative to sit on. Because the vi chord is only one step away from the tonic, it's often used to extend the tonic area and give it a little variety. For instance, in a I-vi-V-I progression, the tonic takes a quick detour to the vi chord before heading to the dominant. 😊
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Weak Predominant: The submediant can be a bit of a drama queen, pretending to be a predominant chord. In progressions like I-vi-ii6-V-I, it sets up a smooth transition to the predominant (ii6) chord. Think of it as warming up the audience before the main act, the dominant, takes the stage.
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Deceptive Cadence: When you think the music is about to land on the tonic, but SURPRISE! It lands on the vi chord instead, that’s a deceptive cadence. It’s the musical equivalent of clicking on a "You won a million dollars!" pop-up ad only to find out you won a coupon. The chord progression V-vi keeps the music moving into the next phrase, leaving you craving that tonic resolution.
Practical Application
Here’s the fun part: how do we actually use the vi chord? Let's break it down with some examples.
Tonic Expansion Example: Imagine a cozy I-vi-V-I progression in C major. The chords are: C(tonic) - Am(vi) - G7(V) - C(tonic). The switch to Am is like a refreshing sip of lemonade on a summer day—different but familiar.
Weak Predominant Example: In D minor, here’s a progression: Dm(tonic) - Bb(vi) - Gm(ii6) - A7(V) - Dm(tonic). The Bb chord gently nudges us toward the dominant. Notice how the submediant works its magic to make the transition smooth as butter.
Deceptive Cadence Example: Picture a progression in G major: D7(V) - Em(vi). You’re bracing yourself for that G major tonic, but instead, you get Em. "Wait, what just happened?" - your brain. But don’t worry, the music will resolve! 🎵
Contextual Analysis
Context is everything, especially with the vi chord. Think of it like this: if the vi chord had a social media status update, it would say, "It’s complicated." Depending on the chords around it, the function of vi can change. In a progression like I-vi-IV-V-I, you might hear it as a tonic expansion. But in I-vi-ii6-V7-I, it clearly wants to be a predominant.
To figure out the role of vi in any given chord progression, you need to consider what it’s doing in relation to other chords. It’s kind of like being a detective—put on your musical Sherlock Holmes hat and see where the clues lead you! 🕵️♂️
Fun Fact
Did you know the vi chord is often used in pop music to give songs a more emotional or melancholic feel? Next time you hear that tear-jerking ballad, see if you can spot the submediant at work, pulling those heartstrings.
Key Terms to Review:
Contextual Analysis: Analyzing the function of each chord based on its surrounding chords in a progression. Diatonic Scale: A seven-note scale using five whole steps and two half steps. Dominant: The fifth scale degree in a key, creating tension that resolves to the tonic. First Inversion: When the third of the chord is the lowest note. Harmonic Functions: The roles that chords play within a key, such as tonic (stable), predominant (setting up tension), and dominant (creating tension). Submediant: The sixth scale degree in a key, used for tonic expansion, weak predominant, and deceptive cadences.
So there you have it! The vi chord, though often underappreciated, plays a vital role in many harmonic progressions, offering versatility and unexpected twists. Next time you’re working on your compositions or analyzing a piece, keep an ear out for this mighty multitasker and see how it transforms the music. 🎶
