DOMINANT CHORD Meaning and
Definition
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A dominant chord, in music theory, refers to a specific type of chord commonly found in tonal harmony. It is a chord built on the fifth degree of a major or minor scale. Dominant chords are considered one of the main pillars in creating tension and resolving it in a musical composition.
The most typical dominant chord consists of a major triad (a root, major third, and perfect fifth) with an added minor seventh. For example, in the key of C major, the dominant chord is G dominant, written as G7, which includes the notes G, B, D, and F. The defining characteristic of the dominant chord is its tendency to lead back to the tonic chord, creating a sense of resolution and completion.
Dominant chords are often used to establish harmonic tension, serving as a point of departure from the tonic chord and preparing the listener for a return to stability. They can be found in a wide range of musical genres and are frequently used in cadences, chord progressions, and modulations. In addition to their role in tonal harmony, dominant chords can also be altered or extended to create different harmonic colors and to add additional tension and color to a composition.
Overall, the dominant chord plays a crucial role in shaping the harmonic structure of a piece of music, leading to a sense of finality, tension, and resolution.
Etymology of DOMINANT CHORD
The word "dominant" originates from the Latin word "dominans", which means "ruling" or "dominating". In music theory, the dominant chord refers to the chord built on the fifth step of the diatonic scale. This chord is considered dominant as it creates a tension that naturally resolves to the tonic chord, thus having a dominant role in tonal harmony. The term "dominant" was first used in this musical context during the 17th century.
