6.5 · The ii and iii Chords

iii before IV

iii to IV moves by half steps. In C, E rises to F and B rises to C, so I–iii–IV reaches IV in two small moves instead of one jump.

Half steps into IV

Two of iii's notes sit one key under two of IV's. In C, E rises to F and B rises to C, so IV arrives in small moves.

E G BE and B are each one key under a note of IV. F A CE rises to F, B rises to C. G rises a whole step to A.

I–IV, and I–iii–IV

Both reach IV, here in C. The second route puts iii in between.

C
F
C

C E G to F A C in one move: E rises to F, G rises to A, C stays.

C
Em
F
C

C to B first, then E to F and B to C. IV arrives by half steps.

The pop loop, with iii for V

Swap V for iii and the pop loop loses its pull. iii keeps two of I's notes, so the loop leaves home without leaning back.

C
G
Am
F

The pop loop. V pulls toward I before vi arrives.

C
Em
Am
F

The same loop with iii second. No pull; in C, E falls a fifth to A, into vi.

F
C
Em
Am

The same four chords, started on IV.

In C, iii is E minor, not E major

iii is E G B. E major, E G♯ B, is not in the key: G♯ is not a C major note, and it pulls up to A.

C
Em
Am

E minor between I and vi. Every note in the key.

C
E
Am

E major between I and vi. G♯ pulls up to A. That chord has its own lesson later: Secondary dominants.

Game · V or iii?

1 / 5

The pop loop's four chords. Was chord two V, or iii?

Listen first. Then answer.

Quiz

1 / 3

In C major, from iii to IV, which notes rise a half step?

Score 100% on every quiz and game to complete this lesson. A perfect run sticks: a later miss never undoes it.The fifths chain →