tonicization

For example, a B minor chord (B, D, F#) occurring in any of its closely related keys may be tonicized with an F# major chord (V/V) because B minor also represents a key area - the key of B minor.

Tonicization occurs when a chord or short succession of chords are borrowed from another key in order to emphasize - or tonicize - a chord in the home key. (See analyzing applied chords.) Modulation occurs when a longer succession of chords emphasizes a new tonic, leading to the perception of a new key.

For example, in both C major and C minor, the tonic is C. However, relative keys (two different scales that share a key signature) have different tonics. For example, C major and A minor share a key signature that feature no sharps or flats, despite having different tonic pitches (C and A, respectively).

tonic, also called keynote, in music, the first note (degree) of any diatonic (e.g., major or minor) scale. It is the most important degree of the scale, serving as the focus for both melody and harmony.

Tonic substitution is the use of chords that sound similar to the tonic chord (or I chord) in place of the tonic. In major keys, the chords iii and vi are often substituted for the I chord, to add interest.

17.2 Tonicization In diatonic harmony, the V chord (the dominant) resolves to the I chord (the tonic). A secondary dominant is a major triad or dominant seventh chord that resolves to (or tonicizes) a chord other than the I chord.

modulation, in music, the change from one key to another; also, the process by which this change is brought about. Modulation is a fundamental resource for variety in tonal music, particularly in larger forms. A short piece such as a song, hymn, or dance may remain in a single key.

We've seen that tonicization involves making a non-tonic chord sound like a temporary tonic. In this chapter, we discuss modulation , which, in contrast to the temporary nature of tonicization, involves a longer-term change of tonic. Sometimes people refer to modulation as a “change of key.”

Scale Degrees. Each note of a scale has a special name, called a scale degree. The first (and last) note is called the tonic. The fifth note is called the dominant.

The tonic is the least dissonant state of diatonic harmony. Tonic chords feel as though they are at rest and complete. The tonic scale degrees are I (the strongest), iii, and vi. In the key of C, these would be CΔ7, E-7, and B-7.

The tonic of a minor key is always three half steps below the tonic of its relative major: if you count three half steps below C, you will get A (C–B, B–B♭, B♭–A). Likewise, to find the relative major key of a given minor key, count three half steps up.

The tonic is established by the root tone, the third and the fifth which assembled build the tonic triad and give to the musician and listener the feeling to be at “home”, if not at the beginning then mostly at the end of a phrase.