leading tone

Meaning of Leading Tone in Music

In music theory, the term "leading tone" refers to the seventh scale degree of a diatonic scale, which is a half step below the tonic (the first scale degree). The leading tone has a strong tendency to resolve to the tonic, creating a sense of tension and resolution in the music. It is often used to create a sense of forward motion and to establish tonality.

The leading tone is typically found in major and harmonic minor scales. In major scales, the leading tone is a half step below the tonic, while in harmonic minor scales, it is a whole step below the tonic. In natural minor scales, the seventh note is a whole step below the tonic, so it is not considered a leading tone.

The leading tone is an important element in tonal harmony and is used in various musical styles and genres. It is commonly used in classical music, but also appears in other genres such as jazz, ragtime, and contemporary popular music.

Function of the Leading Tone

The leading tone serves several functions in music. Its primary function is to create a strong sense of tension that resolves to the tonic. This resolution creates a feeling of stability and closure. The leading tone often appears in melodic lines, where it creates a sense of forward motion and anticipation.

In addition to its melodic function, the leading tone also plays a role in harmonic progressions. It is often used in chord progressions to create cadences and establish tonality. The leading tone can be found in chords such as the leading-tone seventh chord, which is commonly used in the Baroque and Classical periods.

Resolving the Leading Tone

The leading tone typically resolves upward to the tonic. This upward resolution creates a sense of resolution and completion. In major keys, the leading tone is often resolved to the tonic by moving up a half step, while in minor keys, the leading tone is often raised by a half step to create a leading-tone chord that resolves to the tonic.

However, it's important to note that the resolution of the leading tone can vary depending on the musical style and context. In some cases, the leading tone may resolve downward or be used in different ways to create specific harmonic or melodic effects.

Example of Leading Tone in Music

An example of the leading tone can be found in Mozart's Piano Sonata No. 5 in G major. In the third movement of this sonata, fully diminished seventh chords, which include the leading tone, are used in the right hand in the key of D major.

Conclusion

The leading tone is an important concept in music theory. It refers to the seventh scale degree of a diatonic scale, which is a half step below the tonic. The leading tone creates tension and resolution in music, and it is often used to establish tonality and create a sense of forward motion. Its primary function is to resolve to the tonic, although the specific resolution can vary depending on the musical style and context.