Topmusicanswers
What is a passing 6 4 progression?
Passing (pass.) 64 involves a passing tone in the bass that has been harmonized by a 64 chord. It typically prolongs tonic or predominant harmonies, and it always occurs between two chords of the same function.
What is a passing 6 4 chord?
The passing 6/4 is the result of a specific passing motion in the bass, either up or down. In the example below, the ^2 is supporting a dominant triad in second inversion. The passing 6/4, like any passing chord, is a prolonging gesture, so it passes between two chords of the same or similar function.
How do you write a 6'4 chord?
A simple way to create a passing six-four chord is to take a chord and its first inversion; my example uses I and I6, but you may use any diatonic chord and its first inversion. Then fill in the gap of a third in the bass between these two chords with a passing tone. That note will be the bass note for the 6/4 chord.
