how to turn german augmented six to dominant 7

2 min read 06-02-2025

how to turn german augmented six to dominant 7

The German augmented sixth chord (Ger6) is a richly expressive chord with a characteristically dissonant sound. It's often used to create a sense of yearning or anticipation before resolving to a satisfying dominant 7th chord. Understanding how to smoothly transition from a Ger6 to a dominant 7th is crucial for any musician working with tonal harmony. This article will break down the process step-by-step.

Understanding the German Augmented Sixth Chord

The Ger6 chord is built on the leading-tone of a key. Its characteristic features include:

A major triad: The root of the Ger6 is always the leading tone. The triad built on this root is major.
An augmented sixth interval: A major third above the root is added. The characteristic augmented sixth interval is between the root and the highest note of the chord.
A minor seventh: A minor seventh interval above the root completes the chord.

Let's take the key of C major as an example. The leading tone is B. Therefore, the Ger6 in C major is: B-D#-F#-A.

The Resolution to Dominant 7th

The Ger6 resolves powerfully to a dominant 7th chord. This resolution involves the following:

Root movement: The root of the Ger6 (the leading-tone) moves up by a half-step to the tonic.
Other voices: The other notes of the Ger6 resolve in a way that creates a smooth and functional dominant 7th chord. This is where things get interesting and sometimes require careful voicing.

Step-by-Step Resolution (C Major Example)

Starting Point: Ger6 in C major (B-D#-F#-A)
Root Movement: The B (root of the Ger6) moves up to C (the tonic). This is the core of the resolution.
Other Notes: The other notes of the Ger6 need to resolve smoothly. The most common resolution is:
- D# resolves down to D.
- F# resolves down to E.
- A resolves down to G.
The Result: The Ger6 (B-D#-F#-A) resolves to a G7 chord (G-B-D-F). This is the dominant 7th of C major.

Common Resolutions and Voice Leading

While the above example shows the most common resolution, other voice leadings are possible. The goal is to create a smooth and functional progression. Here are some factors to consider:

Parallel Motion: Avoid parallel octaves or fifths between the Ger6 and G7.
Contrary Motion: Often desirable for smooth resolution, where one voice moves up while another moves down.
Neighbor Tones: Sometimes, a note in the Ger6 might resolve to a neighbor tone before moving to the final note in the G7.
Inversions: Different inversions of both the Ger6 and G7 offer alternative voice leadings. Experiment to find what sounds best in context.

Beyond C Major: Applying the Concept to Other Keys

The principle of resolving a Ger6 to a dominant 7th remains the same in all keys. The key is to identify the leading-tone, build the Ger6 accordingly, and understand how the notes resolve to form the appropriate dominant 7th.

Practice and Exploration

The best way to master this is through practice. Experiment with different voice leadings and inversions. Try resolving the Ger6 in various keys and musical contexts. Observe how composers utilize this progression to enhance their music. The more you practice, the more natural and intuitive this resolution will become. Listening to examples of music employing this progression will also assist you greatly in understanding its expressive potential.

By understanding the structure and resolution of the German augmented sixth chord, you will enhance your harmonic vocabulary and add depth and richness to your compositions and improvisations.