---
title: "Supertonic — AP Music Theory Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "The supertonic is scale degree 2, a whole step above the tonic, and the root of the ii chord. It powers predominant harmony on the AP Music Theory exam."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-music-theory/key-terms/supertonic"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Music Theory"
---

# Supertonic — AP Music Theory Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

The supertonic is the second scale degree of a diatonic scale, positioned one whole step above the tonic. This note serves as a crucial building block for harmony, often forming the basis for the ii (supertonic) chord, which contributes to the functional harmony of music by leading to dominant chords or resolving back to the tonic.

## Related Study Guides

- [5.2 The vi (VI) Chord](/ap-music-theory/unit-5/vi-chord/study-guide/PTZZPjhIlCfYCyREhl87)
- [3.2 Diatonic Chords and Roman Numerals](/ap-music-theory/unit-3/diatonic-chords-roman-numerals/study-guide/ROGfWcFThaDu0yMJWgCE)
- [Unit 1 Overview: Pitch, Major Scales and Key Signatures, Rhythm, Meter, and Expressive Elements](/ap-music-theory/unit-1/review/study-guide/aX5YStsztov8dKTnNOvV)
- [5.4 The iii (III) Chord](/ap-music-theory/unit-5/iii-chord/study-guide/dSSgqzeNBdet7HZiZZ3E)
- [1.4 Major Scales and Scale Degrees](/ap-music-theory/unit-1/major-scales-scale-degrees/study-guide/q0wwV0LPymWCJohHzceB)
- [8.1 Modes](/ap-music-theory/unit-8/modes/study-guide/s2De8Ii1bbOpeREDVAz1)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Tonic](/ap-music-theory/key-terms/tonic): The tonic is the first scale degree and serves as the home base or tonal center of a key.
- [Diatonic Chords](/ap-music-theory/key-terms/diatonic-chords): Diatonic chords are built using only the notes within a specific scale, creating harmony that is closely related to the key.
- [Subdominant](/ap-music-theory/key-terms/subdominant): The subdominant is the fourth scale degree and plays a key role in creating movement towards the dominant chord in harmonic progressions.

### Key Facts

- In C major, the supertonic is D, which forms the ii chord (D minor) when combined with its related notes.
- The supertonic chord typically functions as a predominant chord, helping to create tension that resolves to the dominant chord.
- The supertonic can also be found in various musical modes, where it retains its role as the second degree of the scale.
- In harmonic contexts, the supertonic chord may be used in both major and minor keys, but its quality may differ depending on the tonality.
- When analyzing classical music, composers frequently use the supertonic to create smooth voice leading and rich harmonic textures.

### How does the supertonic function within harmonic progressions?

The supertonic serves as a predominant chord that often leads to the dominant chord in harmonic progressions. In a typical progression like ii-V-I, where 'ii' represents the supertonic chord, it creates a sense of movement and tension that resolves beautifully to the dominant and ultimately back to the tonic. This function is vital in establishing strong resolutions in Western music.

### Compare and contrast the roles of the supertonic and tonic chords in establishing musical structure.

The tonic chord acts as the tonal center and provides stability in music, while the supertonic introduces tension that propels harmonic movement. The tonic is where music typically resolves, offering rest and resolution. In contrast, the supertonic creates anticipation for a resolution to the dominant or back to tonic, thus contributing dynamically to the overall musical structure.

### Evaluate how different modes utilize the concept of supertonic and its harmonic implications across genres.

In various modes, such as Dorian or Mixolydian, the supertonic maintains its identity as the second scale degree but influences harmonic implications differently based on modal characteristics. For instance, in Dorian, the presence of a natural sixth alters its functional role compared to traditional major scales. This flexibility allows composers across genres—from jazz to classical—to creatively employ the supertonic for distinctive soundscapes, showcasing how modes can reshape familiar harmonic relationships.