Definition of Dominant (music)
In music, the dominant is the fifth scale degree of the diatonic scale. It is called the dominant because it is second in importance to the first scale degree, the tonic. In the movable do solfège system, the dominant note is sung as "So(l)".
The triad built on the dominant note is called the dominant chord. The chord is said to have dominant function, which means that it creates an instability that requires the tonic for resolution. Dominant triads, seventh chords, and ninth chords typically have dominant function. Leading-tone triads and leading-tone seventh chords may also have dominant function.
In very much conventionally tonal music, harmonic analysis will reveal a broad prevalence of the primary (often triadic) harmonies: tonic, dominant, and subdominant (i.e., I and its chief auxiliaries a 5th removed), and especially the first two of these.
Terms mentioned above
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Questions people ask
Real questions from the Stack Exchange community – follow a link to read the discussion.
- Why is a C7 chord named a dominant seventh chord? · Music SE
- What is a secondary dominant chord? · Music SE
- Why does the dominant chord contain a flattened 7th? · Music SE
- Harmony in Phrygian : What chords are tonic, subdominant, and dominant? · Music SE
- Is Emajor the dominant chord in the key of A minor? · Music SE
- Should the dominant-seventh chord in just intonation use 9:5 for its seventh, or rather 16:9? · Music SE
Frequently asked questions
What is Dominant (music)?
In music, the dominant is the fifth scale degree of the diatonic scale. It is called the dominant because it is second in importance to the first scale degree, the tonic. In the movable do solfège system, the dominant note is sung as "So(l)".