Augmented Sixth Chord - Resolution and Chord Construction

Resolution and Chord Construction

The augmented sixth interval is typically between the sixth degree of the minor scale (henceforth ♭6) and the raised fourth degree (henceforth ♯4). With standard voice leading, the chord is followed directly or indirectly by some form of the dominant chord, in which both ♭6 and ♯4 have resolved to the fifth scale degree (henceforth 5). This tendency to resolve outwards to 5 is why the interval is spelled as an augmented sixth, rather than enharmonically as a minor seventh (♭6 and ♭5). Although augmented sixth chords are more common in the minor mode, they are also used in the major mode by borrowing ♭6 of the parallel minor scale.

Read more about this topic:  Augmented Sixth Chord

Famous quotes containing the words resolution and, resolution, chord and/or construction:

    We often see malefactors, when they are led to execution, put on resolution and a contempt of death which, in truth, is nothing else but fearing to look it in the face—so that this pretended bravery may very truly be said to do the same good office to their mind that the blindfold does to their eyes.
    François, Duc De La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680)

    The passions do very often give birth to others of a nature most contrary to their own. Thus avarice sometimes brings forth prodigality, and prodigality avarice; a man’s resolution is very often the effect of levity, and his boldness that of cowardice and fear.
    François, Duc De La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680)

    Give me the keys. I feel for the common chord again,
    Sliding by semi-tones till I sink to a minor,—yes,
    And I blunt it into a ninth, and I stand on alien ground,
    Surveying a while the heights I rolled from into the deep;
    Which, hark, I have dared and done, for my resting-place is found,
    The C Major of this life: so, now I will try to sleep.
    Robert Browning (1812–1889)

    The construction of life is at present in the power of facts far more than convictions.
    Walter Benjamin (1892–1940)