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48 Voice Leading

Types of Six-Four Chords

When you are harmonizing melodies and writing music, there are three situations where it is appropriate to use a 6/4 chord.

  1. Pedal 6/4
  2. Passing 6/4
  3. Cadential 6/4

The pedal 6/4 typically occurs in the patterns I–IV 6/4–I or V–I 6/4 – V.

Pedal 6/4 - going from 1 in root position to 4 6/4 to I in root in C major. Second example is 5 in root position moving to 1 6/4 back to 5 in root.
Figure 26.11.1. Examples with the Pedal Six-Four

The passing 6/4 typically occurs in the patterns I-V 6/4-I6 (or its retrograde) and IV-I 6/4-IV6 (or its retrograde). 

Passing 6/4 - C Major: 1 chord in root to 5 6/4 to 1 in first inversion; second example is 4 in root position, to 1 6/4 to 4 in first inversion.
Figure 26.11.2. Examples with the Passing Six-Four
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