Dominant Seventh Chord
A dominant seventh chord is a four‑note harmony built on the fifth degree of a scale, consisting of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh. It creates strong tension that typically resolves to the tonic chord.
Music Theory
Explore Music Theory with clear music dictionary guides to notes, scales, chords, rhythm, harmony, melody, and musical structure.
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Cadence (music)
A cadence is a harmonic or melodic ending that signals closure, pause, or continuation in a piece of music. It is a core concept in Western tonal theory, shaping the direction and emotional impact of phrases and sections.
Minor third (musical interval)
A minor third is a musical interval spanning three letter names and three semitones. It is one of the most common intervals in Western music, forming the basis of minor chords and scales.
Subdominant (music)
In tonal music, the subdominant is the chord built on the fourth scale degree, serving as a primary harmonic function that prepares the move toward the dominant or returns to the tonic.
Arpeggio
An arpeggio is a musical figure in which the notes of a chord are played in succession rather than simultaneously. It is a fundamental technique across many styles, from classical to jazz, and appears in both melodic and harmonic contexts.
Key (music)
In music, a key designates a group of pitches, chords, and related harmonic relationships centered on a tonic note. It provides the tonal framework for a piece, influencing its mood, structure, and melodic direction.
Pentatonic Scale
The pentatonic scale is a five-note musical scale found in many world traditions. It exists in major and minor forms and serves as a fundamental building block in folk, blues, rock, and classical music.
Mixolydian mode
The Mixolydian mode is a diatonic scale that resembles the major scale but with a lowered seventh degree. It is widely used in folk, jazz, rock, and modal music, offering a characteristic dominant sound without the need for a separate chord alteration.
Scale (music)
A musical scale is an ordered collection of pitches spanning an octave, forming the foundation for melody, harmony, and improvisation. Scales vary across cultures and genres, with major, minor, pentatonic, and modal types being the most common in Western music.
Minor Seventh Chord
A minor seventh chord is a four‑note harmony built from a root, a minor third, a perfect fifth, and a minor seventh. It appears in many musical styles and serves both as a tonal color and a functional chord in progressions.