6.2 · The ii and iii Chords

ii or IV

ii and IV share two notes, F and A in C. Either one sets up V, so a loop can take the away chord as IV, as ii, or as both.

Two notes in common

In C major, IV and ii share F and A. The one note that differs, C or D, is what makes IV major and ii minor.

F A CF, A, and C on top. D F AThe same F and A, with D under them instead of C.

Three ways to V

The same loop with IV, with ii, and with both. Only the away chord changes.

C
F
G
C

IV is the away chord.

C
Dm
G
C

ii takes IV's place: in C, the same F and A, minor.

C
F
Dm
G
C

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

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. A perfect run sticks: a later miss never undoes it.ii without V →