Dominant vs Subdominant

Side-by-side comparison of two musical terms.

	Dominant	Subdominant
Definition	The fifth degree of a scale and the second most important tonal centre after the tonic.	The fourth degree of a scale, forming a key harmonic pillar alongside the tonic and dominant.
Category	keys	keys
Pronunciation	/ˈdɒmɪnənt/	/sʌbˈdɒmɪnənt/
Origin	Latin (dominans, ruling)	Latin (sub + dominans)
BPM	—	—
Synonyms	fifth degree V	fourth degree IV plagal
Antonyms	tonic subdominant	dominant
Usage	The dominant seventh chord resolves powerfully to the tonic at the final cadence.	The subdominant chord opens the bridge section, providing a warm contrast before the dominant drives back to the tonic.

Definition: The fifth degree of a scale and the second most important tonal centre after the tonic.
Category: keys
Pronunciation: /ˈdɒmɪnənt/
Origin: Latin (dominans, ruling)
Synonyms: fifth degree V
Antonyms: tonic subdominant
Usage: The dominant seventh chord resolves powerfully to the tonic at the final cadence.

Definition: The fourth degree of a scale, forming a key harmonic pillar alongside the tonic and dominant.
Category: keys
Pronunciation: /sʌbˈdɒmɪnənt/
Origin: Latin (sub + dominans)
Synonyms: fourth degree IV plagal
Antonyms: dominant
Usage: The subdominant chord opens the bridge section, providing a warm contrast before the dominant drives back to the tonic.