Tonal Music
Definition
Tonal music refers to a style of music that is centered around a specific key or tonic. It is characterized by the use of functional harmony and clear tonal relationships between chords.
Analogy
Think of tonal music like a road trip with a GPS. The key or tonic is like your destination, and all the other chords are like the different stops along the way. Just as you follow directions to reach your destination, tonal music follows harmonic rules to lead us back to the tonic.
Related terms
Tonic: The tonic is the central pitch or note in a key. It serves as our musical "home base" and provides a sense of stability.
Dominant: The dominant is the fifth scale degree in a major or minor key. It has a strong pull towards the tonic and creates tension that resolves back to it.
Subdominant: The subdominant is the fourth scale degree in a major or minor key. It provides contrast and prepares for the return to the tonic.
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