Part II

Passing Six-Four Chords

passing 6-4 examples

Second inversion triads can be used to connect the two inversions of the same chord. For example a second inversion V chord between I and I6, or a second inversion I chord between IV and IV6. This use of second inversion triads is usually referred to as passing six-four chords, analogous to passing tones.

In second inversion triads, double the fifth of the chord, the bass.

Note the characteristic exchange of pitches between the bass and one of the upper voices. 

        G - G - G           C - C - C
	E - D - C           F - G - A   <-- compare this voice with the bass
        C - B - C           F - E - F
-----   ---------           ----------
Bass:   C - D - E           A - G - F
             6   6           6   6    5
C+:     I - V4  I          IV - I4 -IV3