Leading Tone

Definition

The leading tone is the seventh scale degree in a diatonic scale, which creates a strong tendency to resolve upward to the tonic, or first scale degree. This tension is essential for establishing harmonic progressions, especially in primary and secondary triads, where it helps to create a sense of direction and resolution within the music. The leading tone plays a crucial role in diatonic modulation as it can facilitate smooth transitions between keys.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a major scale, the leading tone is the seventh note, while in a natural minor scale, the seventh note is often raised to become the leading tone, creating a leading tone chord.
2. The leading tone has a strong pull to resolve up to the tonic, which helps create tension and release in musical phrases.
3. In harmonic analysis, the leading tone can often be found in V7 chords (dominant seventh chords) that lead to I (tonic) chords.
4. The presence of the leading tone is essential in establishing a sense of key center, making it vital for modulation between different tonalities.
5. Composers frequently use the leading tone to enhance melodic lines and create memorable resolutions in their music.

Review Questions

• How does the leading tone contribute to the establishment of harmonic progressions within primary and secondary triads?
  • The leading tone serves as a crucial element in creating tension that resolves to the tonic, which is fundamental in both primary and secondary triads. In these triads, particularly in dominant chords (V), the leading tone is often part of the chord structure. This creates a strong pull towards resolution when moving back to the tonic chord (I), reinforcing harmonic progressions and enhancing musical direction.
• Discuss how the leading tone facilitates diatonic modulation and its significance in key transitions.
  • The leading tone facilitates diatonic modulation by acting as a pivot between keys. When modulating, composers can utilize the leading tone from the original key as it resolves into the new tonic of the target key. This smooth transition allows listeners to perceive changes in tonality without jarring interruptions, maintaining musical coherence throughout the piece.
• Evaluate how composers can manipulate the use of leading tones to create contrasting emotional effects in their works.
  • Composers can manipulate leading tones by varying their placement and usage to create different emotional responses. For instance, delaying the resolution of the leading tone can build tension and anticipation within a piece, whereas a quick resolution can evoke feelings of relief or satisfaction. Additionally, using leading tones in different harmonic contexts or during key changes allows composers to explore contrasting moods while maintaining structural integrity in their compositions.

Related terms

Tonic: The tonic is the first scale degree of a scale, serving as the home base or resolution point for melodies and harmonies.

Diatonic Scale: A diatonic scale is a seven-note scale that consists of five whole steps and two half steps, encompassing the major and minor scales.

Harmonic Function: Harmonic function refers to the role that chords play within a key, such as tonic, dominant, and subdominant functions, which are crucial for establishing musical structure.