6.5 · The vi, ii, and iii Chords

ii stands in for IV

ii shares two notes with IV, so it can take IV's place. In C, D minor holds F and A. Either one sets up V, so a loop can take the away chord as IV, as ii, or as both.

ii stands in for IV

Two shared notes, one role. In C, IV is F A C and ii is D F A. The F and A stay; C becomes D, and the chord turns minor.

F A CAway. Sets up V. D F AF and A stay. C becomes D: away, minor, still sets up V.
C
F
G
C

IV is the away chord.

C
Dm
G
C

ii takes IV's place: the same F and A, minor, and V still follows.

Both away chords before V

IV, then ii: the away chord changes one note, C to D, and then V.

C
F
Dm
G
C

Two away chords in a row. Only one note moves between them.

Game · IV, ii, or both?

1 / 5

Home, then the away chord or chords, then V and home. What came before V?

Listen first. Then answer.

Quiz

1 / 3

In C major, ii and IV share…

Score 100% on every quiz and game to complete this lesson.ii sets up V →