Leading Tone
The seventh scale degree of a diatonic scale
In music theory, the term "leading tone" designates the seventh degree of a diatonic scale, frequently denoted by the Roman numeral "VII" during the analysis of harmonic progressions. The leading tone occupies a pivotal role in the world of music, contributing significantly to the overall harmonic and melodic character of a composition. As exemplified:
- In the key of C major, the leading tone is B.
- In the key of G major, the leading tone is F♯.
The leading tone earns its name due to its robust inclination to lead or resolve towards the tonic note, which is the first degree of the scale. In Western classical music, this resolution is deemed of utmost importance and contributes substantially to the sensation of closure and finality within a musical phrase or cadence.
The leading tone stands as an integral component of the dominant chord (V) within a diatonic scale. In the context of a major key, the dominant chord frequently incorporates the leading tone, instigating a profound sense of tension that ardently seeks resolution towards the tonic chord (I).
For instance, in the key of C major:
- The dominant chord (G major) encompasses the leading tone (B).
- This B possesses a formidable inclination to resolve upward to C, engendering a gratifying and conclusive resolution.
In minor keys, the seventh degree of the scale may be elevated (raised seventh degree or leading tone) to amplify its pull towards the tonic. This practice is especially prevalent in harmonic minor scales.
The leading tone further plays an instrumental role in cultivating melodic tension and molding musical phrases. Composers frequently employ the leading tone within melodies to foster anticipation and drama, thus making it an indispensable tool for conveying emotion and musical expression.
Example of Leading Tone
List of Scale Degree
| Scale Degree | Musical Term |
| First (I) | Tonic |
| Second (II) | Supertonic |
| Third (III) | Mediant |
| Fourth (IV) | Subdominant |
| Fifth (V) | Dominant |
| Sixth (VI) | Submediant |
| Seventh (VII) | Leading Tone |
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Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven, German composer, the predominant musical figure during the transition between the Classical to Romantic eras. He occupies an unprecedented dominance in the history of Western music history, and has been widely regarded as the greatest, most influential and most popular musician who ever lived.
Beethoven's music inherited the artistic atmosphere of Haydn and Mozart, penetrated the desire for dignity, vented the anger tortured by fate, and demonstrated his determination to fight with fate.
Compared to other musicians, Beethoven is effectively to interact the philosophy of life with audience through music. Although he was not a romantic, he had become the object followed by other romantics.
As a musician, Beethoven suffered from ear diseases. However, he was unwilling to succumb to fate, vowing to take fate by the throat, and continue to complete his career. In the last ten years of his life, without hearing any sound, his compositions influenced the development of music for nearly two hundred years.
G Song by Terry Riley
