Degree IV — Maj7 (Subdominant)
Movement away from the tonic
Prove it — just do the practice exercise.
FMaj7 Shell Voicing
F (R)A (3)E (7)
The IV degree (subdominant) creates motion:
• In C major: FMaj7
• Function: Away from tonic, but not yet tension
• Plagal cadence: IV → I ("Amen cadence")
Roman numeral: IV = major 7th chord
The IV is the counterpart to the V — it moves "away", the V pulls "back".
• In C major: FMaj7
• Function: Away from tonic, but not yet tension
• Plagal cadence: IV → I ("Amen cadence")
Roman numeral: IV = major 7th chord
The IV is the counterpart to the V — it moves "away", the V pulls "back".