The Leading Tone Triad

• The leading tone triad is built on the leading tone.
• It is diminished in both the major and minor mode.
• The chord's generic function is dominant, however this chord is not cadential.
• The most common version of this chord is in first inversion
• The most common setting for viio6 is a passing chord between I and I6.

So it's built on scale degree 7?

Yes... but, this is not like the mediant and submediant triad.

In both modes, they are built on the leading tone

It is rarely in root position because it is unstable.

Voice Leading

Doubling:

• The third is doubled.
• You may double the fith only if it makes for smoother voice leading.
• NEVER double the root.

Voice Leading:

1. The leading tone (Ti) resolves up to Do. This is a new(ish) tendency tone.
2. One third (Re) will move upwards, one will move downwards.
3. The fifth (Fa) may resolve in either direction, but often moves upwards

1. Even though they have dominant function, leading tone harmonies are not cadential
2. Rule of Parallel Unequal Fifths: Perfect 5ths can move to Diminished 5ths, but not the other way around. Exception: For vii to I, Parallel 5ths are okay if the bass and soprano move in parallel 10ths (Ex. D)
3. When possible, a tritone should be resolved based on how it is spelled. Augmented intervals (A4) resolve outwards and diminished intervals resolve inwards (d5). This is not always possible.
4. This harmony is very common at the beginning of phrases

The 5th is NOT a tendency tone, however. It may resolve upwards or downwards.