Tonic

Definition

The tonic is the first note of a scale and serves as the home base or central pitch around which the other notes in the scale revolve. It establishes the tonal center, providing a sense of resolution and stability in music, and is crucial for understanding scales, harmonies, and chord progressions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The tonic note is the most important note in any key, establishing the tonal center that other notes gravitate towards.
2. In a major scale, the tonic is always the first note (1st degree), while in a minor scale, it also represents the first note but contributes to a different emotional quality.
3. The tonic triad consists of the tonic note, the third, and the fifth notes of the scale, forming a foundational chord that reinforces the sense of home.
4. The concept of tonic can also apply to modes; each mode has its own tonic that shapes its unique sound character.
5. In musical form, the tonic is often used as a point of arrival or rest, creating a sense of closure at the end of phrases or sections.

Review Questions

• How does the tonic function within scales and key signatures?
  • The tonic acts as the foundational note of a scale, marking its tonal center and influencing how all other notes relate to it. In key signatures, the tonic helps define which notes are sharp or flat, establishing both the major or minor tonality. It creates a sense of stability and resolution when returning to this note after exploring other pitches within the scale.
• Analyze how the tonic affects triads and seventh chords in diatonic harmony.
  • In diatonic harmony, triads are built from scales where the tonic serves as a key reference point. The tonic triad consists of three specific notes: the tonic, third, and fifth degrees. Seventh chords also include the seventh degree above the tonic, adding depth and complexity. The presence of these chords in harmonic progressions emphasizes the importance of returning to the tonic for resolution and cohesion.
• Evaluate the role of tonic in creating effective chord progressions and harmonic progression in music composition.
  • Tonic plays a vital role in shaping chord progressions by providing a sense of direction and resolution within a piece. Effective compositions often utilize tension created by moving away from the tonic through dominant chords or other harmonies before resolving back to it. This movement creates emotional impact and guides listeners through musical ideas, ultimately enhancing their experience by reinforcing familiarity with the tonic as home base.

Related terms

Scale: A series of notes ordered by pitch, which serves as the foundation for melodies and harmonies.

Diatonic Harmony: Harmony that is built using chords derived from a specific scale, typically aligning with the tonic as the primary focus.

Chord Progression:

A sequence of chords played in succession that often centers around the tonic to create movement and tension in music.