6/4 Chords

Question 1

Common functions of 6/4 Triads

Answer 1

1 passing 6/4
2 pedal 6/4
3 cadential 6/4
4 bass arpeggiation

Question 2

Passing 6/4

Answer 2

Stepwise motion in the bass both to and from 6/4
Often moves between a triad and its inversions

Example i V6/4 i6 iv i6/4 iv6

Question 3

Pedal 6/4

Answer 3

Common tone in the bass both to and from 6/4
Often returns to the chord it came from

Example i iv6/4 i V i6/4 V

Question 4

Bass arpeggiation

Answer 4

Occurs as part of a series using all inversions of a triad

Example i i6 i6/4 i

See how it stretches out the same chord

Question 5

Cadential 6/4

Answer 5

Always on the tonic triad typically resolving to root position V
Doesn’t function like a tonic triad (home base)
Instead helps expand our dominant chord

Example i i6 i6/4 V
{. }
V.

Part of the a expansion of the v chord like a delay

Question 6

Part writing guidelines

Answer 6

Generally we double the bass
This allows for smooth voice leading
Cadential 6/4 typically resolves by step meaning the whatever is not a common tone to the V will usually go down by step

Question 7

Any chord can be in 6/4 except diminished

Answer 7

Yeah