Why There's Only One Way to Resolve a Flat II Chord - Music Theory

The video tutorial explores the concept of Neapolitan chords, focusing on their formation and resolution in both major and minor keys. It emphasizes the use of first inversion for better voice leading and discusses the role of chord one in second inversion as an embellishment. The tutorial also highlights the challenges and creative possibilities of resolving Neapolitan chords, including advanced techniques like enharmonic modulation.

What is the primary difference between forming a Neapolitan chord in a major key versus a minor key?

• The fifth note is raised in a minor key.

• The second degree of the scale is lowered in both keys.

• The third note is lowered in a minor key.

• The root note is raised in a major key.

Why is the Neapolitan chord often used in first inversion?

• It creates a more stable root position.

• It avoids the awkwardness of a tritone in the bass.

• It enhances the melody with a higher pitch.

• It simplifies the harmonic progression.

What is the benefit of using chord one in second inversion before moving to the dominant chord?

• It introduces a new key signature.

• It emphasizes the root note of the dominant chord.

• It creates a smoother transition by avoiding awkward intervals.

• It adds a dramatic pause in the progression.

How does the use of chord one in second inversion affect the progression from the Neapolitan chord to the dominant?

• It creates a dissonant sound.

• It changes the key to a minor scale.

• It acts as a double appoggiatura onto the dominant.

• It simplifies the progression by removing the Neapolitan chord.

What is a potential challenge when resolving a Neapolitan chord directly to the dominant?

• It might cause a modulation to a distant key.

• It may create parallel fifths.

• It can lead to a lack of harmonic tension.

• It often results in a diminished chord.

What is a creative but radical approach to resolving a Neapolitan chord?

• Modulating to a key a tritone away.

• Resolving to the tonic chord.

• Using a diminished seventh chord.

• Introducing a new time signature.

Why is it important to be cautious when resolving a Neapolitan chord?

• It can easily lead to enharmonic confusion.

• It often results in a change of tempo.

• It might disrupt the rhythmic flow.

• It requires careful voice leading to avoid awkward intervals.