Inside This Unit: The Full Breakdown
Harmony II covers functional progressions, voice-leading rules, predominant chords, and 6/4 types.
Why it matters
Voice leading and progression logic are central to the part-writing FRQs.
Key concepts
- Functional flow: T → predominant → dominant → T.
- Avoid parallel fifths and octaves.
- Cadential vs. passing 6/4 chords.
Progressions and Voice Leading
Order chords by function, connect voices smoothly (keep common tones, move by step, use contrary motion), and avoid parallel perfect fifths/octaves. Recognize the cadential 6/4 (tonic 6/4 delaying V) and passing 6/4 (harmonizing stepwise bass).
AP exam tip
In four-part writing, double the root of root-position triads and always check outer voices for parallels first.
Connections to other units
- Unit 4: Progressions realize harmonic function.
- Unit 6: Non-chord tones decorate these progressions.
