Dominant Function Chord

Definition

A dominant function chord is a chord that primarily serves to create tension and drive the music toward a resolution, typically resolving to the tonic chord. In tonal harmony, this function is crucial as it helps establish a sense of direction and resolution within a musical phrase. Dominant chords often include the fifth scale degree, and their use is fundamental in forming cadences that give closure to musical ideas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The dominant function chord is most commonly represented by the V chord in major and minor keys, which includes the leading tone that resolves to the tonic.
2. Dominant chords can also appear as seventh chords (V7), adding more tension and complexity, making their resolution to the tonic even more satisfying.
3. The primary role of dominant function chords is to create a strong pull toward the tonic, which is essential for establishing tonality in music.
4. In harmonic progressions, the transition from the dominant to the tonic creates what is known as an authentic cadence, one of the strongest types of cadences.
5. In addition to V and V7 chords, altered dominant chords (like V7♭9) can also be used for enhanced tension before resolving to the tonic.

Review Questions

• How do dominant function chords contribute to establishing tonality in a piece of music?
  • Dominant function chords create tension that naturally resolves to the tonic, helping establish the key of the music. This tension-resolution relationship guides listeners through harmonic progressions, marking important structural points in a composition. By repeatedly using dominant chords leading back to the tonic, composers reinforce the sense of tonality throughout their work.
• Compare and contrast the roles of dominant function chords and subdominant chords in harmonic progressions.
  • While both dominant and subdominant chords play crucial roles in harmonic progressions, their functions differ significantly. The dominant function chord primarily creates tension that resolves to the tonic, while the subdominant chord serves as a step toward the dominant. The subdominant often prepares for the dominant, creating a pathway that enhances movement within the progression. This interplay helps to build a compelling musical narrative.
• Evaluate how different types of cadences utilize dominant function chords and their effect on musical phrasing.
  • Different types of cadences utilize dominant function chords in varied ways, affecting how music phrases are perceived by listeners. For instance, an authentic cadence employs a V or V7 chord resolving directly to the tonic, providing a strong sense of closure. In contrast, a deceptive cadence might lead from V to vi, creating surprise and prolonging tension. These uses of dominant function chords shape listener expectations and influence overall emotional responses in musical phrasing.

Related terms

Tonic:

The tonic is the first scale degree of a key and serves as the primary resting point or home base in tonal music.

Subdominant:

The subdominant is the fourth scale degree in a key, often leading to the dominant chord and providing a sense of movement within a harmonic progression.

Cadence:

A cadence is a musical phrase that concludes with a specific harmonic progression, creating a sense of resolution or pause.