Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) Practice Exam

When improvising in G major, which secondary dominant-seventh chord allows for the most direct transition to D major?

1. A7

2. B7

3. D7

4. E7

The correct answer is: A7

The secondary dominant-seventh chord that facilitates the most direct transition to D major from G major is A7. In the context of functional harmony, the A7 chord functions as the V7 (dominant seventh) of the D major chord. This means that A7 resolves predominantly to D major, creating a strong melodic and harmonic connection. When A7 is played, it contains the notes A, C#, E, and G. The presence of C#, which is not part of the G major scale, indicates the chord's function as a dominant to D major, reinforcing the pull towards the tonic of D major. This resolution from A7 to D major is a fundamental and widely used progression in Western music because it establishes a clear tonal shift and enhances the sense of musical movement. In contrast, other chords like B7, D7, and E7 do not serve as direct dominants to D major. B7 would lead to E minor or E major rather than D major, D7 is the dominant of G major, and E7 typically leads toward A minor or A major, making A7 the most effective choice for transitioning smoothly to D major from G major.