82 Self-Test — Root Movement in Secondary Dominants

Test your theory

Automatic recall of theoretical concepts can make recognition, analysis, and notation quick and easy.

Quiz yourself

• What is the root movement when the progression goes V-I or V⁷-I in the tonicized key?

• What is the root movement when the progression goes V⁶-I or V6/5-I in the tonicized key? (Clue: consider where the leading tone is in V⁶ and V6/5, and how leading tones must resolve.)

• What is the root movement when the progression goes V4/3-I in the tonicized key?

• Extra credit question: why can’t it be V6/4-I???

• What is the root movement when the progression goes V4/2-I⁶ in the tonicized key?

• Extra credit question: why can’t it be V4/2-I? (Clue: consider the voice-leading rules of how the dominant seventh chord resolves to the tonic.)

Memorize these rules of root movement in the context of logical voice-leading rules in music theory. Once your theoretical understanding becomes automatic, harmonic dictations become easier and easier.