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AP Music Theory Practice Quiz: The vi (VI) Chord

Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026

Test your understanding with short quizzes. This quiz has 9 questions to check your progress.

Question 1 of 9

According to the provided text, what are the two primary harmonic functions of the vi (VI) chord?

All Questions (9)

According to the provided text, what are the two primary harmonic functions of the vi (VI) chord?

A) Tonic substitute and weaker predominant

B) Dominant preparation and final cadence

C) Strong predominant and tonic extension

D) Mediant and subdominant

Correct Answer: A

The text explicitly states, 'The vi (VI) chord can function as a tonic substitute or as a weaker predominant chord.'

What is the specific name for a harmonic progression where a dominant chord is followed by a chord other than the tonic, such as the submediant?

A) Authentic progression

B) Plagal progression

C) Deceptive progression

D) Half progression

Correct Answer: C

The content defines this specific harmonic event: 'Certain harmonic progressions are distinctive enough... to warrant specific labels, such as the deceptive progression, with the dominant chord followed by a chord other than the tonic chord.'

In the most typical form of a deceptive progression, which chord immediately follows the dominant (V) chord?

A) The tonic (I)

B) The subdominant (IV)

C) The submediant (vi)

D) The leading tone (vii°)

Correct Answer: C

The text specifies that in a deceptive progression, the dominant is followed by a chord other than the tonic, 'typically the submediant chord.'

When a vi (VI) chord follows a V chord in a deceptive progression, what harmonic function is it primarily serving in that specific context?

A) Weaker predominant

B) Dominant extension

C) Tonic substitute

D) Mediant

Correct Answer: C

In a deceptive progression (V-vi), the vi chord appears where the tonic (I) is expected. Therefore, it is functioning as a tonic substitute, fulfilling one of the two roles described in the text.

The text describes the vi (VI) chord as a 'weaker predominant.' What does this imply about its role in a harmonic progression?

A) It creates a less intense drive towards the dominant compared to other predominant chords.

B) It is used more frequently than any other predominant chord.

C) It can only be used in minor keys.

D) It resolves directly to the tonic chord.

Correct Answer: A

The term 'weaker' in a harmonic context suggests a less powerful or less driving function. As a 'weaker predominant,' the vi (VI) chord prepares the dominant with less intensity than a chord like the subdominant (IV) or supertonic (ii).

A student analyzes a piece of notated music and identifies a progression of V - vi. Based on the provided content, what is the most accurate and specific label for this harmonic event?

A) A tonic substitution event

B) A predominant chord function

C) A deceptive progression

D) An unstable cadence

Correct Answer: C

While the vi chord is acting as a tonic substitute (A), the specific, named progression for V followed by vi is the 'deceptive progression,' as explicitly labeled in the text.

What is the defining characteristic of a 'deceptive progression'?

A) The use of a minor submediant chord.

B) The progression moves from a predominant to a tonic chord.

C) The dominant chord does not resolve to the expected tonic chord.

D) The progression ends on the dominant chord.

Correct Answer: C

The text defines a deceptive progression as one where 'the dominant chord followed by a chord other than the tonic chord,' which is a direct contradiction of the expected resolution.

Which of the following statements is NOT supported by the provided content?

A) The vi (VI) chord can act as a predominant chord.

B) Harmonic progressions can be identified from both written scores and by listening.

C) The progression V - vi is known as a deceptive progression.

D) The vi (VI) chord is the strongest and most common predominant chord.

Correct Answer: D

The text explicitly describes the vi (VI) chord as a 'weaker predominant chord,' which directly contradicts the claim that it is the 'strongest.' The other statements are all directly supported by the provided content.

The skill of identifying harmonic function and progression applies to which type of musical experience?

A) Only performed music

B) Only notated music

C) Both performed and notated music

D) Only music from the Classical period

Correct Answer: C

The first point in the content states that harmonic function and progression can be identified in 'a. performed music b. notated music.'