The Primary Chords = The True T, SD and D Functions
Last time, we explained the primary chords of each major key.
They were the chords built on the tonic, subdominant and dominant of each key.
Let's also check them with degree names and abbreviated letters.
Please read on, thinking of these as the tonic, subdominant and dominant chords in the true sense.
In a major key,
- T = I, Imaj7
- SD = IV, IVmaj7
- D = (V), V7
In the image above, V7 is circled in yellow; it has a special meaning because it contains the tritone we learned in Lesson 14.
We'll go into this in detail next time, so this time let's first learn the functions of T and SD.
Building Progressions with T and SD
Described in words, the functions of the tonic and subdominant are as follows.
- T = Tonic
It is the central presence in the key.
It has a strong sense of stability and is often used as the chord that begins or ends a song. - SD = Subdominant
It has a character between T and D and can add color and a sense of development to a chord progression.
Moving from T to SD creates new development in the chord progression and also gives a floating feeling.
Using it before D makes the sense of resolution at T smoother and stronger. - I → IV (C → F)
- Imaj7 → IVmaj7 (Cmaj7 → Fmaj7)
- I → IVmaj7 (C → Fmaj7)
- Imaj7 → IV (Cmaj7 → F)
- I → IV~~~~~ (C → F~~~~~)
- I → IV → I (C → F → C)
Words alone are probably hard to follow, so let's actually listen to examples of T → SD.
We'll use the key of C, so "T = C, Cmaj7, SD = F, Fmaj7."
*You don't always have to start on T.
Sometimes SD is placed first to start with a floating feel. We'll go into this in detail in a later lesson.
What did you think?
When moving from T to SD, a sense of anticipation, "Where will it go from here?" should have arisen.
As a test, let's keep F going from here.
It builds anticipation but then nothing happens, leaving you hanging.
This is the "floating feeling" that occurs when moving from T to SD.
Having floated, it's only natural to want to land, so next, after moving from T to SD, let's return to T.
How was that?
You should feel that it returned "gently" to a stable mood.
Next time, we'll learn about the remaining "D (dominant) chord."
Using D, you can create even more dramatic development.
We'll also go into the difference between triads and four-note chords, so stay tuned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the difference between the tonic (T) and the subdominant (SD)?
The tonic is the center of the key with a strong sense of stability and is used at the beginning or end of a song. The subdominant, on the other hand, has a character between the tonic and dominant, gives a chord progression a floating feel and a sense of development, and creates new development.
Q2. Why does a T → SD progression create a "floating feeling"?
Moving to the subdominant makes the listener anticipate "where will it go from here?" This unstable state creates a floating feeling and naturally makes the listener expect a landing afterward (usually a return to the tonic).
Q3. Must a chord progression always start on the tonic?
No, it doesn't always have to start on the tonic. Sometimes it starts on the subdominant to create a floating feeling, which will be explained in detail in a later lesson.
Q4. What are the T and SD chords in the key of C major?
In the key of C major, the tonic is C or Cmaj7, and the subdominant is F or Fmaj7. In degree names, these correspond to I, Imaj7, IV and IVmaj7.
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