Functions
The classical diatonic functions are:
- Tonic (Tonal center)
- Super tonic (above the tonic)
- Mediant (a 3rd above the tonic)
- Subdominant (a 5th below the tonic)
- Dominant (a 5th above the tonic)
- Submediant (a 3rd below the tonic)
- Leading tone (BELOW THE TONIC)
This is fine, but the use of sub & super are inconsistent, and the actual tonal functions are obfuscated.
This project takes a more modern approach:
This project takes a more modern approach:
- Tonic
- Lateral Subdominant
- Mediant Tonic
- Submediant
- Dominant
- Submediant Tonic
- Lateral Dominant
Lateral = adjacent to the tonic.
Dominant = most important, its presence defines the key center (because of the tritone). It also means a 5th away from the tonic.
Mediant = in the middle (of dominant or subdominant), also a 3rd away from the tonic.
Dominant = most important, its presence defines the key center (because of the tritone). It also means a 5th away from the tonic.
Mediant = in the middle (of dominant or subdominant), also a 3rd away from the tonic.
The three main functions of chords are expressed:
Subdominant => Dominant => Tonic
(Tension -------------> Resolution)
Subdominant => Dominant => Tonic
(Tension -------------> Resolution)
Chords of the same function can often be used interchangeably.
Subdominant:
Dominant:
Tonic: