Topmusicanswers
Never double the leading tone, so don't double the root if the root is the leading tone.
- What does it mean to double the leading tone?
- Can you double the leading tone in a sequence?
- Why should you never double the leading tone?
- Do you raise the leading tone in Major?
What does it mean to double the leading tone?
A double leading tone is when you have two leading tones in a chord and the chord has a non-dominant function. For example: in the key of C major: a iii chord could be E B B G which would double the leading tone. The leading tone must always rise to the tonic, resulting here in parallel octaves (B-C).
Can you double the leading tone in a sequence?
Rather, the leading tone is found at the third of the V chord, or the root of the vii° chord. The problem that arises with a doubled leading tone is that it has a tendency to resolve to the tonic, so a doubling would put you at risk of having parallel octaves in your voice-leading.
Why should you never double the leading tone?
The Leading-Tone Chord (vii°)
First, its root should never be doubled because it is, of course, the leading-tone — an inherently unstable note. Instead, we almost always double the third of the chord because this is the only chord member that is consonant with both of the other chord members.
Do you raise the leading tone in Major?
In classical circles, the phrase 'raise the leading tone' means to sharpen the major 7 (B-natural in a C major scale) very slightly so that it 'leads' into the tonic (C). The converse is also true, in that flat notes can be lowered slightly to 'lead' into the next note.
