How Do You Spell GERMAN SIXTH?

Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɜːmən sˈɪksθ] (IPA)

The "German sixth" is a chord used in music theory, especially in classical music. Its spelling can be confusing as it includes a letter that's not pronounced. It's written as "Neapolitan sixth" in German music theory, but is often called the "German sixth" by English speakers. The correct spelling is "German," with the "a" pronounced as usual. The "e" and "r" are silent, and the two syllables can be pronounced like "jer-mən" in IPA transcription.

GERMAN SIXTH Meaning and Definition

1. The term "German sixth" is used in music theory to refer to a specific type of chord progression or harmonic device. It is an altered form of a common chord progression known as the dominant seventh chord.

   In traditional tonal harmony, the dominant seventh chord is a four-note chord built on the fifth scale degree of a key. It consists of a major triad (root, major third, and perfect fifth) with an added minor seventh interval. This chord creates tension and a strong sense of wanting to resolve to the tonic chord.

   The German sixth, also known as the Augmented sixth chord, is a variation of the dominant seventh chord. It involves raising the root of the dominant seventh chord by a semitone, creating an augmented sixth interval between the raised root and the major third. This augmented sixth interval functions as a chromatic passing tone that enhances the tension in the chord.

   The resolution of the German sixth chord typically involves resolving the augmented sixth interval to an octave, resolving the raised root to the fifth scale degree of the tonic chord, and resolving the other notes in a conventional manner. This resolution helps alleviate the tension created by the German sixth chord and leads to a stable and satisfactory tonal resolution.

   The German sixth chord is commonly used in classical and romantic music and is an important tool for composers to create harmonic tension and resolution. Its distinct sound and chromatic characteristics contribute to the rich texture and emotional impact of the compositions in which it appears.

Common Misspellings for GERMAN SIXTH

• ferman sixth
• verman sixth
• berman sixth
• herman sixth
• yerman sixth
• terman sixth
• gwrman sixth
• gsrman sixth
• gdrman sixth
• grrman sixth
• g4rman sixth
• g3rman sixth
• geeman sixth
• gedman sixth
• gefman sixth
• getman sixth
• ge5man sixth
• ge4man sixth
• gernan sixth
• gerkan sixth

Etymology of GERMAN SIXTH

The term "German sixth" in music theory refers to a particular type of chord. The etymology of this term can be traced back to the historical use and development of music theory in the German-speaking regions of Europe.

In traditional tonal harmony, the German sixth chord is derived from a dominant seventh chord by raising the root of the chord by a half step. This creates an augmented sixth interval between the raised root and the sixth scale degree, which gives the chord its distinctive sound. This chord was used extensively in music composed during the common practice period (roughly from the 17th to the 19th centuries).

The term "German sixth" was likely coined or popularized by music theorists and composers, possibly originating in German-speaking countries. It is believed that the name "German" might have been used to distinguish this particular type of chord from other similar augmented sixth chords found in Italian and French musical traditions.

Plural form of GERMAN SIXTH is GERMAN SIXTHS