Dominant
The fifth degree of a scale and the second most important tonal centre after the tonic.
Category
keys
Pronunciation
/ˈdɒmɪnənt/
Origin
Latin (dominans, ruling)
Length
213 words · 2 min read
About Dominant
The dominant sits a perfect fifth above the tonic and exerts the strongest harmonic pull towards it. The dominant chord (V) and especially the dominant seventh chord (V7) create an almost irresistible need to resolve to the tonic, making the V-I progression the most fundamental cadence in tonal music.
More keys terms
Subdominant
View all keysterms →The fourth degree of a scale, forming a key harmonic pillar alongside the tonic and dominant.
TranspositionMoving a passage of music up or down in pitch by a fixed interval
Key SignatureThe set of sharps or flats at the beginning of a staff indicating the key
TonicisationThe brief treatment of a non-tonic chord as a temporary tonic through the use of its own dominant or leading note.
TonicThe first and most important note of a key, serving as the central point of rest and resolution.
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v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →