Subdominant
The fourth degree of a scale, forming a key harmonic pillar alongside the tonic and dominant.
Category
keys
Pronunciation
/sʌbˈdɒmɪnənt/
Origin
Latin (sub + dominans)
Length
198 words · 1 min read
About Subdominant
The subdominant sits a perfect fifth below the tonic (or a perfect fourth above) and provides the third essential harmonic function in tonal music, alongside tonic and dominant. The subdominant chord (IV) creates a sense of gentle departure from the tonic without the urgent tension of the dominant.
More keys terms
Parallel Key
View all keysterms →A major and minor key that share the same tonic note but have different key signatures, such as C major and C minor.
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.
Circle of FifthsA diagram arranging all twelve major and minor keys by ascending perfect fifths, showing their key-signature relationships.
DominantThe fifth degree of a scale and the second most important tonal centre after the tonic.
Synonyms
Antonyms
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v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →