introduction

diatonic

chromatic

The chains of fifths introduced on the previous page are used in virtually all tonal repertoires, both complete and in segments. One of the most common uses of an incomplete chain of fifths is in the approach to a perfect cadence,when the harmony cycles from vi, through ii to V and finally to I. In the example below, chord ii, which is usually a minor triad is changed to a major triad. This intensification of the final approach to the cadence is called a secondary dominant.

The final example shows a a chain of fifths from II in the second bar right round back to to II in the final bar before the cadence. Here the chain is embellished by the non-dominant seventh suspensions introduced on the previous page.

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