scales - What is the origin and original meaning of tonic . . . mediant subdominant dominant submediant subtonic I was first introduced to tonic, dominant, and subdominant in the context of " dominant chords lead to tonic chords, and subdominant chords lead to dominant chords" My own logical inference suggested that the "sub" in "subdominant" meant "less important" given its role in relation to the dominant
What is leading note and what does it mean to raise a note? Leading note (or tone) refers to the 7th note in the major scale It's always one semitone below the root, which gives its name to the key So, in key C, that note's B Resolution is 'coming home comfortably' Try playing some notes in key C, and stop on a B It feels like you're nearly home, but need one more step That's usually to C And that's resolution, where tension gives way to a calmer
Why is the VII from the natural minor scale not called bVII? In my textbook there is a natural sign in front of the subtonic chord Why is the VII chord in minor called "natural" 7 with a natural sign in front and the diminished chord built on the raised 7 just called vii°?
What are the degrees of a pentatonic scale called? Those names have very specific roles: the dominant is not only the "fifth degree", but also "the tone that exists at a perfect fifth above the tonic" This is clear also for the 7th degree, which is called subtonic or leading tone, whether it's a whole tone or semitone to the next tonic (or minor major seventh from the root of the scale)