Harmony & Voice Leading II: Chord Progressions & Predominant Function

Name: AP Music Theory Unit 5: Harmony & Voice Leading II: Chord Progressions & Predominant Function
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2 lessons · 28 min

What this unit covers

The topics below follow the published Music Theory course framework for Unit 5. Music Theory publishes no per-unit weighting, so there is no percentage to chase here.

ProgressionsPredominantsSequencesHarmonizing

Lessons in this unit

Chord Progressions, Root Motion & Inversions15 min · 3 objectivesExplain functional root motion and the standard progression flow · Read figured-bass symbols to determine a chord’s inversion · Use first- and second-inversion triads idiomatically
Predominant Function13 min · 3 objectivesIdentify predominant chords (ii, IV, and their sevenths) and their role · Voice-lead a predominant smoothly into the dominant · Recognize the ii–V–I and IV–V–I progressions

Formulas in Unit 5

Figured-bass inversion symbols

triad: (blank)=root · 6=first · 6/4=second || 7th chord: 7=root · 6/5=first · 4/3=second · 4/2=third

The figures count intervals above the bass. The bass note identifies the inversion: root, third, fifth, or seventh of the chord in the bass, respectively.

Predominant templates

ii(6) or IV → V(7) → I · ii7 in C = D–F–A–C (2–4–6–1)

Predominants (ii, IV, and their sevenths) prepare the dominant. ii → V is a strong descending-fifth root motion; IV → V needs contrary motion to avoid parallels.

What examiners penalize here

Recognize the **cadential 6/4** on sight: a tonic 6/4 landing on a strong beat before V, then resolving 6→5 and 4→3 over a held dominant bass (I6/4 → V → I). Many textbooks even label it V6/4–5/3 to show it is really an elaboration of the dominant, not an independent tonic.
Remember the functional order **T–PD–D–T** runs one way. A dominant progressing back to a predominant (V → IV) is considered a **retrogression** and is generally avoided in common-practice writing — the exam expects predominants to lead into the dominant, not the reverse.

Practice Music Theory

Our practice bank is drawn from across the whole course rather than filtered to one unit, which is closer to how the exam asks anyway — it will not tell you which unit a question is testing.

24 practice questionsEvery one with a written explanation FRQ trainerWritten answers scored against the rubric Music Theory study guideAll units, weights and score data in one place All 8 Music Theory unitsThe full course

Questions about this unit

How much of the AP Music Theory exam is Unit 5?

The Music Theory course framework does not publish a per-unit weighting, so there is no percentage to quote for Unit 5 and anyone who gives you one is guessing. Spread your time by where your own errors are instead.

What topics are covered in Music Theory Unit 5?

Harmony & Voice Leading II: Chord Progressions & Predominant Function covers Progressions, Predominants, Sequences and Harmonizing.

How should I study Music Theory Unit 5?

Read the 2 lessons below first — about 30 minutes — then work practice questions on these topics. Finish with practice questions and read the explanation for every one you get right by elimination as well as the ones you miss.

All 8 units of AP Music Theory

Unit names, topics and exam weights follow the published College Board course framework for AP Music Theory. AP® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which does not endorse this site.