Supertonic Chord (ii or iio)

Definition

The supertonic chord is the chord built on the second scale degree of a major or minor key. It is typically a minor triad or a diminished triad.

Analogy

Think of the supertonic chord as the "sidekick" to the tonic chord, which is like the superhero. Just like how a sidekick supports and complements the superhero, the supertonic chord adds tension and sets up resolution to the tonic chord in music.

Related terms

vii° chord: This term refers to the leading tone chord, which is built on the seventh scale degree of a major or minor key. It is typically a diminished triad.

ii7 chord: This term refers to a four-note chord called "two-seven" that includes both the supertonic and dominant notes. It is commonly used in jazz and popular music genres.

Secondary Dominant: This term refers to a dominant seventh chord that resolves to a non-tonic (non-tonal) harmony within a key, creating temporary tonal shifts.