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26.11: Types of Six-Four Chords

  • Page ID
    117553
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    26.11 Types of Six-Four Chords

    When you are harmonizing melodies and writing music, there are three situations where it is appropriate to use a 46 chord.

    1. Pedal 46
    2. Passing 46
    3. Cadential 46

    The pedal 46 typically occurs in the patterns I–IV46–I or V–I46–V.

    voiceleading-pedal-six-four-examples.svg

    /
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Examples with the Pedal Six-Four

    The passing 46 typically occurs in the patterns I–V46–I6 (or its retrograde) and IV–I46–IV6 (or its retrograde).

    voiceleading-passing-six-four-examples.svg

    /
    Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Examples with the Passing Six-Four

    In an earlier section we discussed the Cadential 46 chord. Please refer to that section to review the cadential 46 chord.


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