Viio chord

Definition

The viio chord is a diminished triad built on the seventh scale degree of a diatonic scale. It plays a pivotal role in functional harmony, often leading to the tonic chord due to its strong resolution qualities. This chord is essential for understanding voice leading and modulation in music, linking it closely to the dominant and tonic relationships within a key.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The viio chord is notated as 'vii°' in Roman numeral analysis, indicating its diminished quality.
2. In major keys, the viio chord typically resolves to the tonic chord (I), creating a sense of closure.
3. The notes of the viio chord are derived from the seventh scale degree and include a minor third and diminished fifth above the root.
4. When used in harmonic progressions, the viio chord can create tension that enhances the impact of the subsequent resolution to the tonic.
5. In minor keys, the viio chord often appears as the leading tone triad, contributing to the pull toward the tonic.

Review Questions

• How does the viio chord function within a harmonic progression, particularly in relation to the tonic?
  • The viio chord functions as a predominant chord that leads strongly to the tonic due to its tension created by the diminished fifth. In major keys, this tension makes it a crucial part of harmonic progressions, setting up an expectation for resolution. The leading tone of the viio chord naturally resolves upward to the tonic, reinforcing its role in establishing tonality.
• Analyze how voice leading principles apply when transitioning from a viio chord to a tonic chord in musical compositions.
  • Voice leading principles dictate that when moving from a viio chord to a tonic, certain notes should move by the shortest distance possible. In this case, the leading tone in the viio chord resolves upward to the tonic note while other voices might stay stationary or move minimally. This smooth transition enhances the overall musical texture and creates a satisfying resolution that is characteristic of tonal music.
• Evaluate the importance of the viio chord in both major and minor keys and its effect on establishing tonality in music.
  • The viio chord holds significant importance in both major and minor keys as it embodies the relationship between tension and resolution necessary for establishing tonality. In major keys, it acts as a strong lead into the tonic, while in minor keys, it also serves as a vital component that reinforces harmonic motion towards resolution. The use of this chord not only creates emotional depth but also strengthens compositional structure by emphasizing key areas within music through functional harmony.

Related terms

Diminished Triad: A triad consisting of a root, minor third, and diminished fifth, creating a tense sound that typically resolves to a more stable chord.

Leading Tone:

The seventh scale degree in a major or harmonic minor scale, which has a strong tendency to resolve to the tonic.

Tonic Chord:

The first chord of a scale, built on the tonic note, which serves as the home base for tonal music.