gen-define-the-dominant-tonic-relationship-and-give-one-short-wo-a020

Define the dominant-tonic relationship and give one short worked example.

# Dominant-Tonic Relationship The **dominant-tonic relationship** is the most fundamental harmonic progression in tonal music. It consists of: - **Dominant (V)**: The chord built on the 5th scale degree, which creates tension - **Tonic (I)**: The chord built on the 1st scale degree, which provides resolution and stability The dominant chord contains the **leading tone** (7th scale degree), which pulls strongly upward to the tonic note, creating a sense of harmonic gravity that demands resolution. ## Worked Example: C Major **Key of C Major** - **Tonic (I)**: C major chord = **C - E - G** - **Dominant (V)**: G major chord = **G - B - D** The note **B** (the leading tone, 7th degree of C major) in the G major chord pulls upward to **C**, while the root **G** (5th degree) descends to **C**. **Progression**: ``` V → I G → C (G-B-D) → (C-E-G) ``` This V-I progression creates the strongest sense of "question-answer" or "tension-resolution" in tonal music, forming the foundation of cadences and harmonic structure.