5.2 Predominant & ii7 Chords

Predominant seventh chords

ii7 and IV7 (and in minor, ii°7) are common predominant seventh chords that lead to the dominant. ii7 and ii6/5 are especially frequent before V.

Smooth resolution

As with all sevenths, the chordal seventh resolves down by step. In a ii7–V7 progression, voices move smoothly, often keeping common tones between the chords.

Function in progressions

A rich progression is I–ii6/5–V7–I or I–IV–ii6–V–I: tonic, predominant (with its seventh), dominant, resolution. The seventh adds smoothness and forward drive.

Key terms

ii7 / IV7

common predominant seventh chords

Predominant function

leads to the dominant (V)

Seventh resolution

always down by step

ii6/5 → V7

a smooth predominant-to-dominant motion

Minor supertonic

ii° — a diminished triad

Try an AP-style question

In C major, ii7 is…

1. D–F–A–C
2. F–A–C–E
3. D–F–A♭–C
4. D–F♯–A–C