Dominant Chord

Definition

A dominant chord is a five-note chord built on the fifth degree of a scale, typically consisting of a major triad and a minor seventh. This chord creates a strong sense of tension that seeks resolution, often leading to the tonic chord. The dominant chord is crucial in establishing harmonic progression and movement within music, making it a key player in creating emotional depth and musical storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The dominant chord is usually notated as V7 in a given key, indicating it includes the root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh.
2. In classical music, the resolution from the dominant chord to the tonic creates what is known as an authentic cadence, reinforcing the sense of closure in a musical phrase.
3. The dominant chord can be altered or substituted to create different flavors of tension, such as using secondary dominants or diminished chords.
4. In jazz, dominant chords are often extended with additional tones, like the ninth or thirteenth, to create richer harmonic textures.
5. The use of the dominant chord is not limited to traditional Western music; it can also be found in various musical genres around the world, often serving similar functions in creating tension and resolution.

Review Questions

• How does the dominant chord function within harmonic progressions, and why is it essential for creating tension?
  • The dominant chord functions as a pivotal point in harmonic progressions by generating tension that naturally resolves to the tonic chord. This tension arises from its unique structure, which includes intervals that create dissonance when played against the tonic. Without the dominant chord's influence, musical phrases would lack direction and emotional impact, making it essential for shaping dynamic movement within compositions.
• Discuss how different genres utilize the dominant chord to achieve distinct emotional effects in their music.
  • Different genres employ the dominant chord in various ways to evoke specific emotions and atmospheres. For instance, classical music relies on traditional resolutions that create strong feelings of closure through authentic cadences. In contrast, jazz musicians may use altered dominant chords to introduce unexpected twists and enrich harmonic complexity, fostering a more fluid and improvisational feel. By manipulating the dominant chord's function, composers and performers can craft unique emotional narratives tailored to their genre's characteristics.
• Evaluate how understanding the role of the dominant chord can enhance one's songwriting skills across different musical styles.
  • Understanding the role of the dominant chord is crucial for songwriters because it allows them to manipulate tension and resolution effectively across various musical styles. By mastering how to use dominant chords in conjunction with tonics and subdominants, songwriters can create compelling harmonic progressions that engage listeners emotionally. Additionally, exploring extensions and variations of dominant chords opens up creative possibilities for experimenting with different musical colors and feelings, making their songs stand out while maintaining coherence within their chosen genre.

Related terms

Tonic Chord: The tonic chord is the first chord of a scale, serving as the home base or point of rest in music, against which tension is created by other chords.

Subdominant Chord: The subdominant chord is built on the fourth degree of a scale and acts as a bridge between the tonic and dominant chords, helping to establish tension and progression.

Diatonic Harmony: Diatonic harmony refers to chords that are built from the notes within a specific scale, following the scale's key signature and structure.