Vii°7 Chord (Fully Diminished Seventh Chord)

Definition

The vii°7 chord, also known as the fully diminished seventh chord, consists of a root, a minor third, a diminished fifth, and a double-diminished seventh. This unique structure creates a tense and unstable sound that is commonly used to resolve to the tonic in tonal music. The vii°7 chord serves as a leading tone chord in the context of harmony, guiding the listener's ear towards resolution, and is essential for voice leading techniques.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The vii°7 chord is built on the seventh degree of the major scale, creating a sense of tension that typically resolves to the tonic chord.
2. This chord features four notes: the root (leading tone), minor third, diminished fifth, and diminished seventh, resulting in a symmetrical structure that can be transposed easily.
3. In terms of function, vii°7 is often used as a predominant chord in harmonic progressions, enhancing the movement toward the tonic.
4. The vii°7 can also appear in minor keys, where it retains its leading tone function relative to the tonic.
5. Voice leading principles dictate that each voice should move to its nearest note when transitioning from the vii°7 to the tonic chord for smooth harmonic transitions.

Review Questions

• How does the vii°7 chord function within a key and what role does it play in creating tension?
  • The vii°7 chord functions as a leading tone chord within a key, specifically built on the seventh scale degree. Its unique combination of intervals creates a significant amount of tension due to its dissonant sound. This tension urges resolution to the tonic chord, making it essential for effective harmonic progressions. This creates a satisfying sense of closure for listeners when they hear it resolve.
• Compare and contrast the vii°7 chord in major and minor keys regarding its function and construction.
  • In both major and minor keys, the vii°7 chord serves as a leading tone chord that creates tension before resolving to the tonic. However, in major keys, it consists of the leading tone and typically resolves to the major tonic. In minor keys, while it still functions similarly as a leading tone, there can be variations in its construction depending on whether the natural or harmonic minor scale is used. The diminished seventh aspect remains consistent across both contexts but may affect voice leading choices differently.
• Evaluate how voice leading principles apply when resolving from a vii°7 chord to a tonic chord and discuss any potential pitfalls.
  • When resolving from a vii°7 chord to a tonic chord, effective voice leading principles suggest that each voice should move by the smallest interval possible. This typically means that the leading tone moves up to the tonic while other voices resolve smoothly to their nearest notes. A common pitfall occurs when voices leap instead of moving stepwise, which can create awkward transitions and disrupt harmonic flow. Maintaining proper voice leading ensures coherence and clarity in musical lines during this resolution.

Related terms

Leading Tone:

The seventh scale degree of a diatonic scale, which creates a strong tendency to resolve to the tonic.

Tonic:

The first scale degree of a diatonic scale, serving as the home base or resolution point in tonal music.

Voice Leading:

The smooth movement of individual musical lines or voices from one chord to another, ensuring coherence and harmonic progression.