Harmonic Functions
The Dominant and Subdominant
Identifying the I, IV and V degrees
Harmonic Functions in Minor Keys
Modulation to Distantly Related Keys
Construction and Identification
Other Tutorials:
Related Exercises:
Harmonic Progresssions Dictation
Construction:
Identification:
The Dominant and Subdominant
The dominant and subdominant chords help define the tonic chord. The dominant chord is one 5th above the tonic and the subdominant chord is one 5th below:
These two chords create an harmonic tension that resolves into the tonic chord.
Listen in the next example how the subdominant (IV) and dominant (V) chords help define the tonic. Listen also how the subdominant chord leads us to the dominant chord in the 3rd measure. This example is in G Major and it begins with the dominant chord:
Key: G Major
Tonic (I): G major
Dominant (V): D major or D dominant seventh
Subdominant: C major
