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Understanding Secondary Dominance in Music

Apr 28, 2025

Lecture on Secondary Dominance

Overview

  • Secondary Dominance: Incorporating a chord from another key into a chord progression.
  • Objective: Understanding how to identify and use secondary dominant chords in a progression.

Functional Harmony Basics

  • Chords in Key of C: Illustrated with a diagram, each associated with Roman numerals.
    • 5 Chord: G in the key of C, called the 'dominant' chord.
    • In functional harmony, the 5 chord typically resolves to a 1 chord.

Example in Key of G

  • In the key of G:
    • 5 Chord: D, which resolves to G (5-1 progression).

Constructing a Chord Progression

  • Common Progression: In key of C - 1, 4, 5, 1 (C, F, G, C)
  • Introduction of Secondary Dominant:
    • From key of G, incorporate D before G in the key of C.
    • 5 of 5: Use the 5 chord of the 5 chord in key of G (D) before G in key of C.
    • This creates a 5-1 resolution from another key within the key of C.

Expanding with Secondary Dominants

  • Beyond 5 of 5: Can use 5 of other scale degrees (e.g., 5 of 2, 5 of 6).
  • Example - 5 of 6:
    • Target the 6 chord in key of C (A minor).
    • 5 Chord in A minor: E
    • Use E as secondary dominant in C major.
    • Progression Example: 1 -> 5 of 6 -> 6 -> 5 -> 1

Usage in Minor Keys

  • Application of secondary dominants in minor keys (e.g., 5 of flat 3).
  • Multiple secondary dominants can be used in a progression.

Enhancing with Dominant 7th Chords

  • Dominant 7th Chords: Adding a 7th to a secondary dominant chord can enhance sound.
    • Example: E chord becomes E dominant 7 in 5 of 6 progression.

Conclusion and Additional Resources

  • Importance of exploring different perspectives on secondary dominants.
  • Further Learning:
    • Video links to additional explanations and different viewpoints provided in the description.

  • Note: Understanding secondary dominance can be complex initially; revisiting the concept and practicing with different progressions can help solidify comprehension.
  • Questions Encouraged: Open invitation to ask questions for clarity on the topic.