Author: Bassie
Date: 2008-08-28 12:57
The most important note in a scale is the tonic, the one it's named after, the one that feels like 'home' to our ears, and the one on which pieces usually end, and often start.
The /second/ most important note is the dominant, or fifth. It has the simplest relationship to the tonic in terms of frequency (3:2). It's the same in major and minor scales. And it indicates the nearest related scale, which lies on the cycle of fifths. Sharpen the 'F' in the scale of C major and you get to the scale of G major.
Logically the fourth has a similar role to play (the fourth in G is, of course, C) and so the fourth is termed the 'sub-dominant'.
The chord 'GBDF' might look at first sight like it's built out of G major, but by making the 'F' natural instead of sharp it immediately leads the ear to C major. GBDF forces the mind to anticipate CEG.
Quite often a symphony will be heard to end on alternating chords of '1' (e.g. C) and '5' (G), finally settling on the '1'. Sacred music often ends on an 'Amen' of the chords '4' and '1'.
A very important exception to the rule of 'start on the tonic' is 'Happy Birthday'. For any impromptu performances, it's well worth knowing that this starts on the dominant!
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The Clarinet BBoard
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