---
title: "Unit 5 – Chord Progressions and Predominant Function - AP Music Theory"
description: "Review Unit 5 – Chord Progressions and Predominant Function for AP Music Theory with Fiveable study guides and practice resources."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-music-theory/unit-5"
type: "unit"
subject: "AP Music Theory"
unit: "Unit 5 – Chord Progressions and Predominant Function"
---

# Unit 5 – Chord Progressions and Predominant Function - AP Music Theory

## Overview

Review Unit 5 – Chord Progressions and Predominant Function for AP Music Theory with Fiveable study guides and practice resources.

## Study Guides

- [5.6 Cadential 6/4 Chords](/ap-music-theory/unit-5/cadential-64-chords/study-guide/Fmolx6ik4nmpMVO4inHe)
- [5.3 Predominant Seventh Chords](/ap-music-theory/unit-5/predominant-seventh-chords/study-guide/HtMsIFkpBnOwGkqOvqlQ)
- [5.5 Cadences and Predominant Function](/ap-music-theory/unit-5/cadences-predominant-function/study-guide/INNHEx3QCfTJPy2yXPqC)
- [5.7 Additional 6/4 chords](/ap-music-theory/unit-5/additional-64-chords/study-guide/Qh3LHV4QTvf36VrCMEpQ)
- [5.4 The iii (III) Chord](/ap-music-theory/unit-5/iii-chord/study-guide/dSSgqzeNBdet7HZiZZ3E)
- [5.1 Adding Predominant Function IV (iv) and ii (ii0) to a Melodic Phrase](/ap-music-theory/unit-5/adding-predominant-function-iv-iv-ii-ii0-melodic-phrase/study-guide/k9mbg8yvU736povWYW7W)
- [5.2 The vi (VI) Chord](/ap-music-theory/unit-5/vi-chord/study-guide/PTZZPjhIlCfYCyREhl87)

## FAQs

### What topics are covered in AP Music Unit 5?

AP Music Theory Unit 5 covers chord progressions and predominant function across 7 topics: adding predominant function IV and ii to a melodic phrase, the vi chord, predominant seventh chords, the iii chord, cadences and predominant function, cadential 6/4 chords, and additional 6/4 chords. Together these topics build the harmonic vocabulary you need for analysis and part-writing. See the full topic list at [AP Music Theory Unit 5](/ap-music-theory/unit-5).

### What's on the AP Music Theory Unit 5 progress check (MCQ and FRQ)?

The AP Music Theory Unit 5 progress check includes MCQ and FRQ parts drawn from all 7 topics in the unit. Multiple-choice questions test your ability to identify chord progressions, label predominant function chords like IV, ii, and vi, and recognize cadences. FRQ tasks typically ask you to complete or analyze a short harmonic passage using predominant seventh chords and cadential 6/4 chords. Practicing with matched questions at [AP Music Theory Unit 5](/ap-music-theory/unit-5) is one of the best ways to prepare for the progress check format.

### How do I practice AP Music Theory Unit 5 FRQs?

AP Music Theory Unit 5 FRQs focus on chord progressions, part-writing, and harmonic analysis, so the best practice targets those skills directly. Expect tasks like writing a four-voice progression that includes predominant function chords (IV, ii, vi), resolving predominant seventh chords correctly, and identifying or completing cadences including cadential 6/4 chords. To practice, write out short progressions from scratch, then check your voice leading for parallel fifths and octaves. Analyzing existing examples from topics 5.1 through 5.7 before writing your own builds the pattern recognition these questions reward. Find practice prompts and study guides at [AP Music Theory Unit 5](/ap-music-theory/unit-5).

### Where can I find AP Music Theory Unit 5 practice questions?

The best place to find AP Music Theory Unit 5 practice questions, including multiple-choice and practice test sets, is [AP Music Theory Unit 5](/ap-music-theory/unit-5). That page has resources covering all 7 topics, from identifying chord progressions and predominant function chords to recognizing cadences and 6/4 chords. For MCQ practice, look for questions that ask you to label Roman numerals, spot voice-leading errors, and identify cadence types, since those formats appear most on the actual exam.

### How should I study AP Music Theory Unit 5?

Start by making sure you can hear and write the core chord progressions before moving to the harder topics. Here's a concrete plan for Unit 5: 1. **Topics 5.1-5.2** first. Practice adding IV, ii, and vi chords to simple melodic phrases in both major and minor keys. Sing or play each progression so your ear connects to the Roman numerals.
2. **Topic 5.3** next. Drill predominant seventh chords (especially ii7 and ii°7) and their resolutions. Voice-leading errors here are the most common part-writing mistakes.
3. **Topics 5.4-5.5** together. The iii chord is rare, so spend less time on it, but spend real time on cadences and how predominant function sets them up.
4. **Topics 5.6-5.7** last. Cadential 6/4 and additional 6/4 chords have strict doubling and resolution rules. Write them out by hand until the pattern is automatic. After each topic, do a short harmonic analysis of a real piece to see the concept in context. Find practice sets and study guides at [AP Music Theory Unit 5](/ap-music-theory/unit-5).

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