submediant

The submediant is the sixth degree of a diatonic scale. It is the scale position numbered six and is typically referred to in music theory as the submediant when discussing scale degrees and as the basis for the submediant chord in harmonic analysis.

In major keys, the triad built on the submediant is usually minor, and is labeled vi (for example, in C major the submediant chord is A minor). In natural minor keys, the submediant triad is typically major (VI). The exact quality of the submediant chord can vary when using other forms of the minor scale (such as harmonic or melodic minor) because alterations to the scale pitches affect the chord built on degree six.

Functionally, the submediant often serves a predominant or pre-dominant role, providing a color that can lead to the subdominant, the dominant, or the tonic. A common major-key progression featuring the submediant is vi–IV–I–V, which has been widely used in many styles of Western music. The submediant is also important in modulation and in linking the tonic to related keys, including the relative major or minor.

In summary, the submediant denotes the sixth scale degree and its associated diatonic chord, with characteristic functions and chord qualities that vary by key and modal form.