Subdominant (Noun)
Meaning
(music) the fourth note of the diatonic scale.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The chord built on the subdominant is often used to create a sense of contrast and release in musical compositions.
- In a I-IV-V progression, the subdominant chord provides a brief respite from the tension of the tonic and dominant chords.
- The subdominant is the fourth scale degree in the key of C major, and is therefore an F.
- In sonata form, the second theme is often introduced in the subdominant key, providing a sense of departure from the tonic.
- The use of the subdominant as a final chord can create a sense of uncertainty, as it doesn't provide the same sense of resolution as the tonic chord.