Lesson 13 the cadential six-four chord

Lesson 13 The Cadential six-four chord

At cadence points, it is common to find a specific chord inserted into the circle of fifths progression.  This is the Cadential six-four chord.  Remember that the six four means a second inversion chord?  When writing the progression, the bass voice would not have the need to change pitches as the fifth of the I chord is the same note as the root of the V chord.

The progression would look like this:

                                                                                                    

As shown here, the second inversion tonic chord can be inserted between the ii and the V chord to elongate the progression.  

In this first iteration, the common tones are in the bass and tenor voices while the soprano and alto move from the six-four chord to the V chord. 

In each of the examples, the common tones are bracketed.

 Fig.1 Cadential six-four chord in D Major First iteration 

Listen:

Here in the second iteration, the Soprano and bass have the common tones, while the other two voices move.

 Fig.2 Cadential six-four chord in D Major Second iteration 

Listen:

Finally, you can see in this last iteration, the bass is the only voice to have the common tone, the G.  Which is the 5th of the I chord, making the chord in second inversion (six-four) then in the next chord, it stays on the G which is the root of the V chord in C.  

 Fig.3 Cadential six-four chord in D Major Third iteration 

Listen:

Lastly, here is an entire chord progression with the cadential six-four chord inserted into the appropriate spot.

Fig 4 Cadential six-four chord in C# minor.

Listen: