Dominant

Definition

In music, the term dominant refers to the fifth scale degree of a diatonic scale, and it plays a crucial role in establishing harmonic tension and resolution within musical compositions. The dominant chord is built on this fifth degree, creating a strong pull back to the tonic, which is the first degree of the scale. This relationship is essential in understanding chord progressions, harmonic dictation, and overall tonal structure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The dominant chord is typically a major chord built on the fifth degree, often accompanied by a seventh, creating a dominant seventh chord that enhances tension.
2. In a major scale, the dominant chord leads strongly to the tonic due to its characteristic tritone interval, which resolves naturally back to the tonic.
3. The dominant function is not only important in classical music but also in jazz and popular music, where it helps create effective resolutions.
4. In harmonic progression, moving from the dominant to the tonic is one of the most common resolutions, often represented as V to I in Roman numeral analysis.
5. The dominant can also be altered (such as adding chromatic notes) to create different harmonic colors and tensions before resolving to the tonic.

Review Questions

• How does the role of the dominant contribute to harmonic tension and resolution within a piece of music?
  • The dominant creates harmonic tension by being positioned as the fifth scale degree, which naturally seeks resolution back to the tonic. This pull is especially pronounced in chord progressions where the dominant chord (V) moves to the tonic (I). The tension created by this movement enhances emotional impact, making it a foundational element in musical composition.
• Compare and contrast the functions of the tonic and dominant in diatonic harmony.
  • The tonic serves as the home base or point of rest in music, providing stability and resolution. In contrast, the dominant introduces tension and anticipation that drives the music forward. While the tonic feels complete and restful when it is played, the dominant creates a sense of longing that resolves back to the tonic. This interplay between both functions establishes strong musical narratives and forms.
• Evaluate how understanding dominant chords can enhance your ability to analyze and compose music effectively.
  • Understanding dominant chords allows for deeper analysis of harmonic progressions and their emotional effects within pieces. By recognizing how dominants lead to tonics, one can appreciate composers' choices in building tension and creating resolutions. Moreover, this knowledge is invaluable when composing, as it equips you with tools to craft engaging harmonies that resonate with listeners through effective use of tension and release.

Related terms

Tonic: The tonic is the first scale degree of a diatonic scale and serves as the home base or point of rest in music. It provides stability and resolution.

Subdominant: The subdominant is the fourth scale degree of a diatonic scale, positioned between the tonic and dominant. It often precedes the dominant in chord progressions.

Diatonic Harmony: Diatonic harmony refers to the chords and harmonies that are built from the notes of a specific key or scale, maintaining the relationships between tonic, subdominant, and dominant.