Ii chord

Definition

The ii chord, also known as the supertonic chord, is a minor chord built on the second degree of a diatonic scale. This chord plays a significant role in harmony, typically functioning as a predominant chord that leads to the dominant chord (V) and creating tension that is resolved in harmonic progressions. Understanding the ii chord is essential as it often sets up movement towards the dominant, allowing composers to create a sense of direction in their music.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ii chord is composed of the root, minor third, and perfect fifth of the scale based on its position, for example, D-F-A in the key of C major.
2. In a common progression, the ii chord often precedes the V chord, creating a ii-V-I progression that is foundational in many styles of music.
3. The ii chord can be altered by adding 7th degrees (ii7), which adds richness and depth to the harmonic texture.
4. This chord can be found in both major and minor keys, but it is particularly prominent in major key contexts.
5. The ii chord is often used in classical and jazz music to establish tension before resolving to the dominant or tonic chords.

Review Questions

• How does the ii chord function within a harmonic progression, particularly leading to the dominant?
  • The ii chord functions as a predominant chord that creates tension before resolving to the dominant chord (V). This relationship is essential in establishing a sense of movement in music. For example, in a common ii-V-I progression, the ii chord sets up an expectation for resolution when it moves to the V chord, which then resolves to the tonic (I). This creates a satisfying sense of completion in musical phrases.
• Discuss how altering the ii chord by adding a seventh affects its role in a progression.
  • Altering the ii chord by adding a seventh transforms it into a ii7 chord, which introduces more harmonic richness and complexity. The presence of the seventh creates additional tension that enhances its function as a predominant chord. This heightened tension often leads to an even stronger resolution when moving to the dominant (V), making progressions like ii7-V-I more compelling. It is especially effective in jazz and contemporary styles where richer harmonies are desired.
• Evaluate the significance of the ii-V-I progression in various musical genres and its implications for composition.
  • The ii-V-I progression is pivotal across many musical genres, from classical to jazz and pop. Its significance lies in its ability to create strong directional movement within harmonic structure. Composers use this progression to craft compelling resolutions and emotional contrasts. Analyzing its use reveals how different styles interpret this foundational progression—jazz may incorporate improvisation around these changes, while classical music might emphasize thematic development through it. This versatility highlights its role as a cornerstone of Western harmony.

Related terms

Diatonic Scale:

A seven-note scale that consists of five whole steps and two half steps, forming the basis for most Western music.

Dominant Chord (V): The chord built on the fifth degree of the scale, which creates strong tension and typically resolves to the tonic chord (I).

Predominant Function:

The role of chords that lead to the dominant chord, such as the ii and IV chords, helping to create harmonic motion.