Music theory definition
Dominant
Scale degree 5, and the chord built on it. It pulls strongly back to the tonic.
Hear an example
Play the example and listen for the idea described above.
The important ones have names
- 1 · : home
- 5 · : pulls home
- 4 ·
- 7 · : leans up
Learn it in context
This term is introduced in Unit 4: The major scale. Work through the explanations and exercises to connect the definition with music.
- Scale degrees
Numbers and names for each note of the scale - and hearing them in a melody.
Explore with an interactive tool
- Progression ear trainer
Recognise common progressions and cadences by ear.
Related music terms
- Major
- A common family of scales and chords. C major uses the white piano keys for its scale; its basic chord is C, E, and G. Compare its sound with minor.
- Scale
- A set of notes arranged in order of pitch, starting and ending on the same note name.
- Major scale
- The seven-note scale built from the step pattern W W H W W W H.
- Tonic
- The first note of a scale and the home base of a key.
- Scale degree
- A note's position in a scale, numbered 1 to 7 from the tonic.
- Subdominant
- Scale degree 4, and the chord built on it.