Tritone

Definition

A tritone is a musical interval that spans three whole tones, or six half steps, and is often described as dissonant or unstable. It creates a sense of tension that begs for resolution in harmonic progressions, making it a key element in both tension-building and melodic writing. This unique interval can evoke strong emotional responses and is frequently used in various musical styles to create contrast and drama.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The tritone is often referred to as the 'devil's interval' due to its unsettling sound, which was historically avoided in religious music.
2. In Western music, the tritone can be found between the fourth and seventh degrees of the major scale, creating tension within the harmony.
3. It is used in dominant seventh chords, where the tritone between the third and seventh creates strong harmonic pull towards resolution.
4. The tritone can also be effectively used in melody writing to create memorable hooks that contrast with surrounding notes.
5. Many genres, from classical to jazz to rock, utilize the tritone to introduce unexpected twists and maintain listener interest.

Review Questions

• How does the tritone contribute to the creation of harmonic tension in music?
  • The tritone contributes to harmonic tension by introducing dissonance that creates a need for resolution. When placed within a chord progression, such as in a dominant seventh chord, the tritone pulls listeners' ears towards a more stable consonance. This tension and subsequent resolution can evoke emotional responses from the audience, enhancing the overall musical experience.
• Discuss how composers use the tritone in melody writing to create engaging musical phrases.
  • Composers often use the tritone in melody writing to add intrigue and surprise. By incorporating this interval, they can craft phrases that stand out against more consonant lines, creating moments of tension that capture attention. The contrast provided by a tritone can lead into a resolution that feels satisfying, making melodies more dynamic and memorable.
• Evaluate the role of the tritone in various musical genres and its impact on listener perception.
  • The role of the tritone varies across musical genres but consistently serves as an important tool for tension and emotion. In jazz, it may be used to create complex harmonies that challenge traditional expectations, while in rock, it can add intensity to riffs and solos. This interval's unsettling quality can provoke strong reactions from listeners, often heightening their engagement with the music. Its diverse applications across styles demonstrate its versatility as a musical device.

Related terms

Dissonance:

Dissonance refers to a combination of tones that creates a sense of tension and instability, often requiring resolution to a consonant interval.

Resolution: Resolution is the process in music where dissonant chords or intervals move to consonant ones, providing a sense of closure and satisfaction.

Augmented Fourth: An augmented fourth is another term for a tritone when considering the interval between two notes, typically an augmented fourth above the root note.