Download lhs music theory final exam review sheet

LHS Music Theory Final
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Root Position
1. When connecting triads whose roots are a fifth (or fourth) apart, retain the common tone in the same
voice and move the remaining voices to the NEAREST chord tones to achieve correct doubling and
spacing.
2. If, when connecting triads whose roots are a 5th (or a 4th) apart the common tone is NOT retained in the
same voice, move all voices to the NEAREST chord tones which result in correct doubling and spacing.
3. When connecting triads whose roots are a second apart, move all the upper voices to the nearest chord
tones in CONTRARY MOTION to the bass.
4. When the bass moves UP a second one voice may move in parallel thirds (or tenths) with the bass
resulting in a doubled third in the second chord.
5. When progressing from V to VI in harmonic minor, the second chord will usually contain a doubled
third to avoid an A2.
6. When connecting triads whose roots are a third apart retain two common tones and move the remaining
voice to the nearest chord tone.
7. When the bass moves UP a third, one voice may move in parallel thirds (or tenths) with the bass
resulting in a doubled third in the second chord.
st
1 and 2nd inversion
8. When a major or minor triad is in 1st inversion, double the soprano.
9. When a diminished triad is in 1st inversion, double the bass.
10. When a triad is in 2nd inversion, double the bass.
Cadential Six-Four
Passing Six-Four
Pedal Six-Four
Arpeggio Six-Four
I
V
I
V
I
IV
I
I
I
 Smooth voice leading is the result of voices moving to the closest possible chord tone.
 Retain common tones when possible.
 Try to use mostly 2nds and 3rds in the melodic lines of the upper voices. If one of your upper
voices jumps more than a 4th, something has probably gone wrong.
 Beware of parallel motion!
 Be mindful of the leading tone in minor keys. The dominant chord (V) always has it; leading
tone chord (viio) has it but the subtonic chord (VII) does not, and if the scale is harmonic or
melodic minor, then the mediant chord will contain (III+) the leading tone.