J.S. Bach Harmony

Set progression Ic - V7 - I

Set progression: Ic - V7 - I • 1. In order to use Ic - V7 - 1 you need to have the

mediant (3rd), supertonic (2nd) and tonic (1st) note of the tonic key signature scale in your soprano line (3 - 2 - 1), lets use this example:

3 2 1

Set progression: Ic - V7 - I • 2. Add the Ic chord to the mediant. You must

double the 5th of the chord to form a correct second inversion chord (of course, the 5th must be your root note too).

Ic

Doubled 5th 3 2 1

Set progression: Ic - V7 - I

• 3. Now add the V chord.

3 2 1

Ic V

Set progression: Ic - V7 - I • 4. Now it’s time to add the 7th to chord V. This must be

delayed (last part of the beat) & there fore the last thing you hear before chord I. The 7th should only be added to the tenor or alto part & will usually be a quaver beat.

3 2 1

Ic V 7

Set progression: Ic - V7 - I

• 5. The 7th note needs to fall as it moves to the next chord (chord I - the tonic).

3 2 1

Ic V 7 I

Set progression: Ic - V7 - I

• 6. Use melodic decoration to add more interest. The 5th of chord I and root of chord V7 will always be the same. Use auxiliary notes.

3 2 1

Ic V 7 I

Auxiliary Note

Set progression: Ic - V7 - I

• 7. Ties/dotted rhythms between common notes can help to make the cadence look more controlled.

3 2 1

Ic V 7 I

Tie added between common notes for control

Set progression: Ic - V7 - I

• 8. Check your work & play through your harmony to check for consecutives 5ths & octaves, awkward intervals or leaps, doubling and spacing.

Now Practise yourself: