AP Music Theory Flashcards: The vi (VI) Chord
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
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What are the two primary harmonic functions of the vi (VI) chord?
The vi (VI) chord can function as a tonic substitute or as a weaker predominant chord.
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What are the two primary harmonic functions of the vi (VI) chord?
The vi (VI) chord can function as a tonic substitute or as a weaker predominant chord.
What is a deceptive progression?
A deceptive progression occurs when the dominant chord is followed by a chord other than the tonic, typically the submediant (vi or VI) chord.
Why is the term 'deceptive' used for a V - vi progression?
It is called 'deceptive' because the dominant chord creates a strong expectation of resolving to the tonic, but instead resolves to a different chord.
Which chord is typically used to follow the dominant in a deceptive progression?
The submediant chord (vi in major, VI in minor) is the chord that typically follows the dominant in a deceptive progression.
When analyzing notated music, you see the harmonic progression V-vi. What function is the vi chord most likely fulfilling?
In a V-vi progression, the vi chord is most likely fulfilling the function of a tonic substitute within a deceptive progression.
A composer in F minor wants to write a deceptive progression. After a C major chord (V), what chord would they typically use?
They would typically use a Db major chord (VI) to create the deceptive progression in F minor.
In the key of C Major, a G Major chord (V) is followed by an A minor chord. What is this progression called?
This is a deceptive progression, as the dominant (V) resolves to the submediant (vi) instead of the tonic (I).
What makes the sound of certain harmonic progressions, like the deceptive progression, distinctive?
Their distinctiveness comes from their sound and/or the context in which they subvert listener expectations, such as a dominant not resolving to a tonic.
In a deceptive progression, what function is the submediant (vi/VI) chord serving?
In this context, the submediant chord is functioning as a tonic substitute, taking the place of the expected tonic chord.
Besides its role as a tonic substitute, what is the other function of the vi (VI) chord mentioned in the text?
The vi (VI) chord can also serve as a weaker predominant chord.