Dominant

Definition

In music theory, the term 'dominant' refers to the fifth scale degree of a diatonic scale and its corresponding chord, which plays a crucial role in establishing harmonic tension and resolution. This chord is typically built on the fifth note of the scale, creating a strong pull back to the tonic, or first scale degree. The dominant chord often serves as a pivotal point in chord progressions, leading to a satisfying resolution when it moves to the tonic chord.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The dominant chord is typically a major chord built on the fifth degree of the scale and often includes a minor seventh, creating a dominant seventh chord.
2. In Western tonal music, the dominant seventh chord creates strong tension that resolves to the tonic chord, making it essential for establishing key and tonality.
3. Common progressions featuring the dominant include V-I (dominant to tonic), which is foundational in many musical genres, including classical and popular music.
4. The dominant can also function in different keys through modulation, creating exciting shifts in harmony and expanding the musical narrative.
5. In jazz and contemporary music, the concept of 'dominant' can extend to altered chords and secondary dominants, allowing for more complex harmonic structures.

Review Questions

• How does the dominant chord function within common chord progressions in tonal music?
  • The dominant chord functions as a critical element within common chord progressions by creating tension that resolves back to the tonic. For instance, in a V-I progression, the dominant (V) chord establishes a feeling of anticipation that is resolved when moving to the tonic (I) chord. This resolution is satisfying for listeners and forms the backbone of many genres of music. The dominant's role in building tension and facilitating resolution is essential for effective harmonic movement.
• Discuss the characteristics of a dominant seventh chord and its significance in creating tension in music.
  • A dominant seventh chord consists of a major triad built on the fifth scale degree along with a minor seventh interval added above the root. This combination creates significant tension because of the dissonance between the seventh note and other notes in the progression. When used in a progression, particularly moving to the tonic, this tension enhances the sense of resolution. The dominant seventh chord is especially prominent in jazz and blues, where it contributes to rich harmonic textures.
• Evaluate how secondary dominants expand harmonic possibilities in compositions.
  • Secondary dominants are chords that temporarily act as dominants for chords other than the tonic. By introducing these chords into a progression, composers can create unexpected shifts and enrich harmonic complexity. For example, using V/ii (the dominant of ii) before moving to ii introduces new tonal colors and enhances the overall emotional impact of the piece. This technique broadens harmonic possibilities by allowing composers to modulate or create new pathways within their music while maintaining clear relationships between chords.

Related terms

Tonic: The tonic is the first scale degree of a diatonic scale and represents the home base or point of resolution in music.

Subdominant:

The subdominant is the fourth scale degree of a diatonic scale and plays an important role in harmonic progressions, often moving to the dominant chord.

Cadence: A cadence is a musical phrase that signifies the end of a section or piece, often involving a progression from dominant to tonic.