Dominant Chord in Western Tonal Music: Creating Tension and Resolving to the Tonic

Dominant

An allele that is always expressed

Dominant, in music, refers to the fifth scale degree of a musical key. It is also known as the V (pronounced “five”) chord.

In Western tonal music, dominant chords are often used to create harmonic tension that resolves to the tonic (the first note of the key). This tension is created because the dominant chord includes the leading tone, which is a half step below the tonic and strongly “pulls” the listener’s ear to want to resolve it upwards.

The dominant chord is typically used to signal the end of a phrase or section and lead into the beginning of a new one. It is also commonly used to create a sense of urgency or excitement in music.

For example, in the key of C major, the dominant chord would be G7 (G, B, D, F). This chord would often be used at the end of a phrase that begins with the tonic chord (C) to create a sense of resolution and closure.

Overall, the dominant chord is an important tool for composers and songwriters in creating tension and leading listeners through a piece of music.

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