Tonic and dominant keys
Definition
In tonal music, the tonic key serves as home base or centering point, while the dominant key provides tension and leads back to it. The tonic-dominant relationship is fundamental in establishing tonality.
Related terms
Tonality: The organization of music around a central pitch or tonal center.
Key modulation: The process of changing from one key to another within a piece of music.
Dominant function: The use of chords built on the fifth scale degree to create tension and drive towards resolution.
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