Dominant

Definition

The dominant is the fifth scale degree of a diatonic scale and serves as a crucial chord in harmony, typically creating tension that resolves to the tonic chord. This relationship is fundamental to tonal music, where the dominant chord leads back to the tonic, establishing a sense of resolution and completion in musical phrases. The dominant plays an essential role in establishing tonality, directing the listener's ear and reinforcing the overall structure of a piece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The dominant chord is typically built on the fifth degree of a scale and usually includes the notes from that scale along with its third and fifth.
2. In classical music, the dominant often appears as a major triad or a seventh chord, creating more tension that seeks resolution back to the tonic.
3. The relationship between the dominant and tonic chords is fundamental to establishing key centers and modulations within a piece.
4. In musical terms, the dominant seventh chord adds an additional note, creating even more tension before resolving to the tonic.
5. The use of non-chord tones, such as passing tones or suspensions, often occurs within dominant chords to heighten their tension and drive towards resolution.

Review Questions

• How does the dominant function within a harmonic progression and what role does it play in creating tension?
  • The dominant functions as a pivotal point in harmonic progressions by creating tension that resolves back to the tonic. When a piece moves from the dominant chord to the tonic, it provides a satisfying sense of closure. This tension arises because the dominant chord naturally seeks resolution, making it essential for establishing musical phrases and overall tonality.
• Discuss how the use of dominant seventh chords enhances musical tension compared to simple dominant triads.
  • The use of dominant seventh chords enhances musical tension because they introduce an additional note—the minor seventh—creating more dissonance than a simple dominant triad. This extra tension demands resolution back to the tonic more strongly than a triad would. This heightened level of dissonance contributes significantly to dynamic harmonic progressions, making it an important tool for composers looking to engage listeners through suspenseful moments before resolutions.
• Evaluate how understanding the concept of dominant chords can improve one’s compositional skills in tonal music.
  • Understanding dominant chords allows composers to manipulate tension and resolution effectively, which is key to creating engaging music. By knowing how to use dominants creatively, they can craft compelling harmonic progressions that guide listeners through emotional landscapes. This knowledge helps in making informed choices about cadences and transitions, enhancing both the structure and expressiveness of their compositions.

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 tonal music.

Subdominant:

The subdominant is the fourth scale degree in a diatonic scale, providing a contrast to both the tonic and dominant and often leading to the dominant.

Cadence: A cadence is a melodic or harmonic configuration that creates a sense of resolution, often involving the movement from the dominant to the tonic.