🎶ap music theory review

Deceptive progression

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

A harmonic progression in which the dominant chord is followed by a chord other than the tonic chord, typically the submediant (vi) chord, creating an unexpected harmonic resolution.

AP course connection

Topic 5.5: 5.5 Cadences and Predominant Function

Unit 5

"Deceptive progression" also found in: