Does The ii/V Exist?

Name: Does The ii/V Exist?
Uploaded: 2022-08-14
Description: Explore how a chord's function can change with context using the E minor → A7 example from American Pie to illustrate the ii/V concept and half cadence.

Published: 2022-08-14

cadences secondary dominants songwriting tonal harmony

Explore how a chord's function can change with context using the E minor → A7 example from American Pie to illustrate the ii/V concept and half cadence.

This lesson demonstrates how a single chord can act differently depending on surrounding harmony, using the Em–A7–D progressions in American Pie to show when Em functions as vi versus ii (ii/V). It explains secondary dominants, half cadences, and the subdominant→dominant→tonic “clockwise” movement, and why repeating a progression can cement a chord’s role. Practical listening and harmonic perspectives help you apply these techniques to songwriting and arrangement decisions. Includes clear takeaways for using ii/V progressions to create convincing cadences and melodic endpoints.

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