Scale Degree

In music theory, the "dominant" refers to the fifth scale degree of a diatonic scale, often represented by the Roman numeral "V" when analyzing harmonic progressions. The dominant note is a pivotal element in music, and its interactions with other scale degrees are central to creating harmonic tension and resolution. For example:

• In the key of C major, the dominant note is G.
• In the key of D major, the dominant note is A.

The dominant note is associated with a sense of tension and anticipation in music. It typically leads to a resolution either to the tonic (the first scale degree) or another chord. Harmonically, the dominant chord, typically denoted as "V", is built upon the dominant note.

• In C major, the V chord is G major (G, B, D).
• In D major, the V chord is A major (A, C#, E).

The dominant chord is crucial for creating a sense of forward motion and excitement in music. One of the most common and powerful harmonic progressions is the movement from the dominant to the tonic chord, known as the "V-I" (or "V-i" in minor keys) progression. This progression is often used to create a strong sense of resolution and conclusion.

Melodically, the dominant note plays a vital role in crafting expressive and engaging melodies. It can serve as a point of arrival or climax, and many melodies use the dominant note to build tension before resolving to other notes in the 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.

In music theory, the "mediant" is a term used to describe the third degree of a diatonic scale, typically represented by the Roman numeral "III" when analyzing harmonic progressions. The mediant note is located halfway between the tonic (first degree) and the dominant (fifth degree) of the scale. It plays a significant role in shaping the harmonic and melodic character of a piece of music. For example:

• In the key of C major, the mediant note is E.
• In the key of A minor, the mediant note is C.

The mediant note has a unique quality that can be characterized as "mediating" between the stability of the tonic and the tension of the dominant. Harmonically, the mediant chord, often denoted as "iii" (minor) or "III" (major), is built upon the mediant note.

• In C major, the iii chord is E minor (E, G, B).
• In A minor, the III chord is C major (C, E, G).

The mediant chord adds variety and color to harmonic progressions, creating different emotional nuances compared to the tonic and dominant chords. It can serve as a point of departure or a moment of repose within a piece of music.

Melodically, the mediant note is important for crafting interesting and expressive melodies. Its position between the tonic and dominant allows for smooth and melodic transitions within a scale. Melodies often make use of the mediant to add variety and direction to their phrases.

Harmonically, the mediant chord can be used to introduce a change of tonal color or mood. It can create a sense of modulation or tonal exploration, leading to unexpected harmonic twists and turns.

In music theory, the term "subdominant" designates the fourth degree of a diatonic scale, commonly represented by the Roman numeral "IV" when scrutinizing harmonic progressions. Positioned just below the dominant (the fifth degree), the subdominant note plays a pivotal role in shaping the harmonic structure and introducing tension within a musical composition. For instance:

• In the key of C major, the subdominant note is F.
• In the key of G major, the subdominant note is C.

The subdominant note is frequently associated with a sense of stability and tension resolution in music. It serves as a fundamental element in numerous chord progressions and harmonic sequences. Harmonically, the subdominant chord, typically denoted as "IV" (major) or "iv" (minor), is constructed upon the subdominant note.

• In C major, the IV chord is F major (F, A, C).
• In G major, the IV chord is C major (C, E, G).

The subdominant chord is commonly employed to generate tension, subsequently finding resolution by transitioning to the dominant chord or another chord. This interplay of tension and release is intrinsic to both Western classical and popular music. The movement from the subdominant to the dominant chord, recognized as the "IV-V" progression, stands as one of the most prevalent and potent harmonic maneuvers in music.

From a melodic standpoint, the subdominant note is indispensable for shaping engaging and expressive melodies. It can function as a point of departure, generating a sense of anticipation as it leads to other notes within the scale. Melodies frequently utilize the subdominant note to introduce variety and direction into their phrases.

In music theory, the "submediant" refers to the sixth scale degree of a diatonic scale, often represented by the Roman numeral "VI" when analyzing harmonic progressions. The submediant note is a significant element in music, contributing to the overall harmonic and melodic character of a composition. For example:

• In the key of C major, the submediant note is A.
• In the key of G major, the submediant note is E.

The submediant note can be used to create harmonic variety and emotional depth in music. It often appears in chord progressions, melodies, and harmonizations. The chord built on the submediant note is typically referred to as the "vi" chord.

• In C major, the vi chord is A minor (A, C, E).
• In G major, the vi chord is E minor (E, G, B).

The submediant chord (vi) is often used to transition between other chords in a progression. It can provide a sense of contrast and can help create a musical journey by offering moments of tension and release.

Melodically, the submediant note is used in melodies to add color, expressiveness, and variety. It can be a point of departure or arrival, contributing to the overall character of a musical phrase.

In music theory, the term "supertonic" refers to the second degree of a diatonic scale, typically represented as "II" in harmonic analysis. Positioned just one step above the tonic, which is the scale's first degree, the supertonic plays a pivotal role in crafting musical tension and preparing harmonic resolutions within a composition. For instance:

• In the C major key, the supertonic note is D.
• In the A minor key, the supertonic note is B.

The supertonic note, being only a step away from the tonic, carries a somewhat unsettled or unresolved quality when heard on its own. Frequently, it yearns for resolution to the tonic, which is regarded as the most stable and central note within a key.

From a harmonic perspective, the supertonic chord is often denoted as "ii" (minor) or "II" (major), and it is built upon the supertonic note. In a major key, the ii chord is typically minor, while in a minor key, the II chord usually takes on a major quality. For instance:

• In C major, the ii chord is D minor (D, F, A).
• In A minor, the II chord is B diminished (B, D, F).

The supertonic chord is frequently employed to create harmonic tension, which can then be resolved by transitioning to the dominant chord (the fifth degree of the scale). Subsequently, the dominant chord resolves to the tonic chord. This series of progressions, known as the "ii-V-I" progression, is a common and gratifying method for achieving musical resolution and closure.

In terms of melody, the supertonic note is an indispensable element in crafting melodies and musical phrases. It can be harnessed to introduce a sense of motion and anticipation within a melody, often leading towards the tonic note or other notes within the scale.

In music theory, the "tonic" refers to the first degree of a diatonic scale, typically represented by the Roman numeral "I". The tonic note is the most stable and central pitch within a musical key, serving as the primary point of rest and resolution in a piece of music. It forms the foundation for the entire scale and tonal system. For example:

• In the key of C major, the tonic note is C.
• In the key of A minor, the tonic note is A.

The tonic note holds a pivotal role in establishing the key or tonality of a musical composition. It is the note to which other scale degrees and harmonies relate, providing a sense of home or arrival. Musical phrases often begin and end on the tonic note, creating a sense of musical closure and balance.

Harmonically, the tonic chord, also known as the "tonic triad", is built upon the tonic note and serves as the most stable and resolved chord in a key. In a major key, the tonic chord is major, while in a minor key, it is typically minor. For example:

• In C major, the tonic chord is C major (C, E, G).
• In A minor, the tonic chord is A minor (A, C, E).

The tonic chord provides a sense of finality and resolution when it is reached in a chord progression. It often follows chords that introduce tension and dissonance, such as the dominant chord, before returning to the tonic to create a feeling of musical fulfillment.

Melodically, the tonic note serves as a reference point for constructing melodies and musical phrases. Melodies often gravitate toward the tonic note, either starting or ending on it, to create a sense of stability and unity within the music.