8.5 Cadential six-four chord

In this chapter you will learn about the cadential six-four chord. In the exercise, you'll learn to recognize the cadential six-four chord in music examples.

1. The cadential six-four chord

A cadential six-four chord is the second inversion of the first degree. A cadential six-four chord is used primarily in a cadence and it normally progresses to the dominant, which is following directly or indirectly in root position.

The cadential six-four chord has, for this reason a dominant function. The cadential six-four chord is not a first degree, but is always a part of the fifth degree.

The cadential six-four chord is notated as I6/4 or as C6/4. The chord progression C6/4 - V - I is strong and very common.

Examples

How is the cadential six-four chord used in a cadence?

2. Practise

Harmony exercise 8a: practise recognizing the cadential six-four chord in musical examples.

Cadential six-four chord

• A cadential six-four chord is the second inversion of the first degree
• The cadential six-four chord has a dominant function
• The cadential six-four chord is notated as I6/4 or as C6/4

Harmony exercise 8a: practise recognizing the cadential six-four chord in musical examples.