Ii7 Chord (Supertonic Seventh)

Definition

The ii7 chord, or supertonic seventh, is a four-note chord built on the second scale degree of a major or minor scale, consisting of the root, minor third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh. This chord plays a critical role in establishing harmonic progressions, particularly as a predominant chord leading to the dominant chord (V) in tonal music. It enriches the harmonic texture and is commonly used in various musical styles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ii7 chord is typically built on the second scale degree, meaning in C major it would be D-F-A-C.
2. It often functions as a predominant chord, meaning it leads naturally to the dominant chord (V), enhancing the resolution to tonic (I).
3. In minor keys, the ii7 chord can be altered to create a ii half-diminished seventh (iiø7) by lowering the fifth, which adds tension before moving to V.
4. This chord can also be found in various inversions, providing different bass notes while maintaining its harmonic function within progressions.
5. The ii7 chord is essential in jazz and contemporary music for creating smooth transitions between chords and adding color to harmonic progressions.

Review Questions

• How does the ii7 chord function within a harmonic progression?
  • The ii7 chord serves as a predominant chord that prepares the listener for the arrival of the dominant chord (V). By creating tension, it effectively leads to a resolution to the tonic (I). This movement from ii7 to V is foundational in Western tonal music and helps establish a strong sense of direction in compositions.
• Compare and contrast the ii7 chord's use in major and minor keys.
  • In major keys, the ii7 chord is built on the second degree and typically includes the notes of a D minor seventh chord. In contrast, in minor keys, it often becomes a half-diminished seventh chord due to the lowered fifth. This alteration adds a different color and tension to the harmony, demonstrating how context can affect its application and function in musical progressions.
• Evaluate the importance of the ii7 chord in modern genres like jazz compared to classical music.
  • In modern genres like jazz, the ii7 chord is vital for its role in complex harmonic progressions and modal interchange. Jazz musicians often use extended harmonies and substitutions that revolve around ii7 chords for smoother transitions and richer sounds. While classical music also employs ii7 chords extensively, it often focuses on functional harmony with strict resolutions. The flexibility and creativity allowed by ii7 chords in jazz showcases how this harmony has evolved to serve different musical purposes.

Related terms

Diatonic Chord: A chord that is built using only the notes from a specific key or scale, maintaining the integrity of that scale.

Functional Harmony: A system of harmony that emphasizes the roles of chords within a tonal context, such as tonic, dominant, and predominant functions.

Chord Progression:

A sequence of chords played in succession, creating a sense of movement and direction within a piece of music.