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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. Neighbor (n.) 64 involves a static bass above which two of the upper voices perform upper neighbor motion.
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.
What is a 6'4 cadence?
The cadential 6 4 is a melodic and harmonic formula that often appears at the end of phrases in music of the common practice period. Typically, it consists of a decoration of the dominant chord by displacing both its third and fifth by a step above.
