secondary seventh chord: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “secondary seventh chord” mean?
A seventh chord built on a scale degree other than the tonic (I), functioning as a temporary dominant leading to another chord. Specifically, a V7/V (dominant seventh of the dominant) is the most common type.
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Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A seventh chord built on a scale degree other than the tonic (I), functioning as a temporary dominant leading to another chord. Specifically, a V7/V (dominant seventh of the dominant) is the most common type.
In tonal harmony, any seventh chord (major-minor, minor, half-diminished, or diminished seventh) that acts as a secondary dominant, creating a temporary tonicization of a chord other than the key's tonic. Its primary function is to intensify harmonic motion toward a target chord.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or conceptual differences. UK sources may use 'secondary dominant seventh' or 'applied dominant seventh' interchangeably. US theory textbooks consistently favour 'secondary seventh chord' or 'secondary dominant seventh chord'.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in specialized music theory discourse in both UK and US academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “secondary seventh chord” in a Sentence
[secondary seventh chord] resolves to [target chord]a [secondary seventh chord] of [roman numeral]to tonicize with a [secondary seventh chord]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “secondary seventh chord” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The progression secondary-sevenths its way to the dominant.
- He secondary-seventhed the submediant to add colour.
American English
- The progression secondary-sevenths its way to the dominant.
- He secondary-seventhed the submediant to add color.
adverb
British English
- The harmony moved secondary-seventhly towards the new key.
American English
- The harmony moved secondary-seventhly toward the new key.
adjective
British English
- The secondary-seventh function is clear in bar eight.
- A secondary-seventh analysis clarifies the passage.
American English
- The secondary-seventh function is clear in measure eight.
- A secondary-seventh analysis clarifies the passage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used exclusively in musicology, composition, and harmonic analysis courses and texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary context. Central to jazz harmony, classical analysis, and pop/rock music theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “secondary seventh chord”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “secondary seventh chord”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “secondary seventh chord”
- Misidentifying a diatonic seventh chord (e.g., ii7) as a secondary seventh chord.
- Forgetting that the chord must be a seventh chord (not a triad) to qualify.
- Incorrectly resolving the chord, e.g., not moving the chord's tritone correctly.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost. A secondary seventh chord is a specific type of secondary dominant—one that is a seventh chord (usually a dominant seventh quality). A secondary dominant can be just a triad.
Yes. While 'V7/X' (major-minor seventh) is most common, theorists also recognise secondary leading-tone seventh chords (e.g., vii°7/X), which are fully or half-diminished.
Identify the chord it resolves to (the target). The root of the secondary seventh chord is a perfect fifth above (or a perfect fourth below) the root of that target chord. For example, a chord resolving to V (G) will be V7/V, rooted on D.
Not permanently. They cause a brief 'tonicization' or feeling of a new key centre, but the overall tonality (home key) usually remains established.
A seventh chord built on a scale degree other than the tonic (I), functioning as a temporary dominant leading to another chord. Specifically, a V7/V (dominant seventh of the dominant) is the most common type.
Secondary seventh chord is usually technical in register.
Secondary seventh chord: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsekəndri ˈsevənθ kɔːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsekənˌderi ˈsɛvənθ kɔrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of it as a 'visiting' seventh chord. Just as a secondary road leads to a main road, a secondary seventh chord leads to a main chord (like the V or another key centre).
Conceptual Metaphor
HARMONY IS A JOURNEY / TARGETING. The chord is an 'arrow' or 'launching pad' that propels the harmony toward a specific destination (the target chord).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most defining characteristic of a secondary seventh chord?