AP Music Theory Flashcards: Predominant Seventh Chords
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is the standard voice-leading procedure for the seventh of a predominant seventh chord?
As with most seventh chords, the chordal seventh should resolve by a descending step.
Card 1 of 10
All Flashcards (10)
What is the standard voice-leading procedure for the seventh of a predominant seventh chord?
As with most seventh chords, the chordal seventh should resolve by a descending step.
What is the relationship between a chord's seventh and its resolution?
The chordal seventh is an active tone that should be resolved, typically by moving down by a step in the following chord.
Name two of the four methods listed for applying knowledge of 18th-century voice leading.
Any two of the following are correct: score analysis, error detection, writing exercises, or contextual listening.
Define the term "chordal seventh."
The chordal seventh is the note that is a seventh above the root of a seventh chord.
When performing error detection in an 18th-century style piece, what specific resolution should you check for the seventh of a predominant seventh chord?
You should check to ensure the chordal seventh resolves by a descending step, as this is a key procedure of the style.
How does the resolution rule for a predominant seventh chord's seventh relate to a broader principle for other seventh chords?
The rule that the chordal seventh resolves down by step is a common procedure that applies to most seventh chords, not just predominant ones.
In a writing exercise, if you have just written the seventh of a predominant seventh chord, what is its required next melodic movement?
Its required next movement according to 18th-century procedure is to resolve by a descending step.
During score analysis of an 18th-century work, you identify a seventh chord functioning as a predominant. What specific voice-leading action should you immediately verify?
You should immediately verify that the chordal seventh resolves correctly by a descending step in the subsequent chord.
What key characteristic do predominant seventh chords and predominant triads share?
They both fulfill the same predominant harmonic function.
What is the harmonic function of a predominant seventh chord?
Predominant seventh chords fulfill the same harmonic function as predominant triads.