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Subdominante

Subdominante is a term used in music theory, particularly in Romance-language traditions, for the musical concept known in English as the subdominant. It designates the fourth scale degree of a diatonic scale and the triad built on that degree. For example, in the key of C major the subdominante is the F major triad (IV: F–A–C). In natural minor the subdominant is iv (D minor in A minor), while in minor keys the quality of the subdominant can vary with melodic or harmonic minor usage, sometimes appearing as a major IV in certain contexts or borrowed from parallel modes.

Functionally, the subdominante has a predominant role within tonal harmony. It serves to prepare the arrival

In addition to its tonal function, the subdominant is a key element in modulation and voice-leading, providing

See also: tonic, dominant, cadence, roman numeral analysis, modal and borrowed chords.

of
the
dominant
(V)
and
often
leads
onward
to
the
tonic
(I).
Common
progressions
include
IV–V–I
in
major
keys
and
iv–V–i
or
IV–V–i
in
minor
keys.
The
subdominant
can
also
appear
as
seventh
chords
(IV7
or
iv7)
or
in
other
extended
forms,
and
it
is
frequently
used
in
both
classical
and
popular
styles.
a
contrast
to
the
tonic
and
helping
to
establish
a
sense
of
departure
and
return.
The
term
itself
derives
from
Latin
roots
meaning
“below
the
dominant,”
reflecting
its
position
in
the
hierarchy
of
functional
harmony.