What are the most common predominant harmonies?

What are the most common predominant harmonies?

• A. The first and third scale degrees
• B. The second and fourth scale degrees
• C. The third and sixth scale degrees
• D. The second and fourth scale degrees

Answer: (D)

Predominant harmony is what creates the pull toward the dominant, setting up the strong resolution to V. The most reliable place to generate that pull is on the supertonic and subdominant—the second and fourth scale degrees. The ii chord, built on the second degree, is typically a minor triad in major keys and frequently moves to the V chord, as in the common ii–V progression that leads smoothly toward tonic. The IV chord, built on the fourth degree, also moves the harmony away from tonic toward the dominant, helping to establish the direction of the cadence. In minor keys these ideas adapt (ii° or II and iv), but the same tendency remains: these positions provide the predominant function that prepares the dominant resolution, rather than staying firmly on tonic or serving other functions.

Predominant harmony is what creates the pull toward the dominant, setting up the strong resolution to V. The most reliable place to generate that pull is on the supertonic and subdominant—the second and fourth scale degrees. The ii chord, built on the second degree, is typically a minor triad in major keys and frequently moves to the V chord, as in the common ii–V progression that leads smoothly toward tonic. The IV chord, built on the fourth degree, also moves the harmony away from tonic toward the dominant, helping to establish the direction of the cadence. In minor keys these ideas adapt (ii° or II and iv), but the same tendency remains: these positions provide the predominant function that prepares the dominant resolution, rather than staying firmly on tonic or serving other functions.