Leading Tone

Definition

The leading tone is the seventh scale degree in a diatonic scale, which creates a strong tendency to resolve upward to the tonic note. This tension and resolution play a crucial role in establishing harmonic progressions and voice leading techniques, serving as a pivotal element in Western music theory. It is essential for creating a sense of direction and closure in musical phrases, influencing how melodies and harmonies interact.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The leading tone is represented by the seventh degree of a major or minor scale and is often notated with the symbol '7'.
2. In a major scale, the leading tone is a half step below the tonic, creating a strong pull towards it when resolving.
3. The leading tone can also function as an important pitch in harmonic functions, commonly found in dominant seventh chords that resolve to the tonic.
4. Voice leading practices often prioritize the movement of voices to minimize leaps, with the leading tone commonly resolved up to the tonic in smooth voice leading.
5. In jazz and contemporary music, the leading tone can be used in altered chords, adding complexity to harmonic progressions.

Review Questions

• How does the leading tone influence harmonic progression within musical compositions?
  • The leading tone creates tension that resolves to the tonic, which enhances the harmonic progression by providing a clear direction and resolution. When chords move towards the tonic, especially from a dominant chord that includes the leading tone, it strengthens the listener's expectation of arriving at the home key. This resolution helps establish a sense of closure within phrases, making it an essential component in crafting effective harmonic movements.
• Discuss how voice leading techniques utilize the leading tone to create smooth melodic lines.
  • Voice leading techniques focus on moving voices in a way that minimizes large leaps between notes. The leading tone plays an integral role here as it naturally resolves upward to the tonic, creating smooth transitions. By ensuring that voices move stepwise toward their destination notes, composers can maintain coherence and fluidity in their melodies while employing the tension created by the leading tone effectively.
• Evaluate the role of the leading tone in both classical harmony and contemporary music styles.
  • The leading tone serves as a foundational element in classical harmony by providing essential tension that resolves into stability through tonic resolution. In contemporary music styles, such as jazz or pop, the leading tone can still fulfill its traditional function but may also be utilized more freely within altered chords or extended harmonies. This flexibility allows for innovative uses of tension and resolution, enriching harmonic textures while still respecting the core principles established in classical music theory.

Related terms

Tonic: The tonic is the first scale degree of a scale and serves as the tonal center or home base in a piece of music, where resolutions typically occur.

Diatonic Scale: A diatonic scale consists of seven distinct pitches, forming the basis for major and minor keys, each having a specific arrangement of whole and half steps.

Chord Progression:

A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in succession, which creates harmonic movement and defines the structure of a piece of music.