Definition

1. Noun:
   • The seventh note of a diatonic scale: In music theory, the "leading tone" is the seventh scale degree. It is called "leading" because it strongly implies or "leads" to the tonic (the first note of the scale), which is typically a half step above it. This creates a sense of tension that naturally resolves to the tonic.

Usage

• The "leading tone" is a fundamental concept in tonal music, especially in Western classical and popular music traditions.
• It is most commonly discussed in the context of major scales and harmonic minor scales, where the interval between the seventh scale degree and the tonic is a half step (semitone).
• In a C major scale, the notes are C, D, E, F, G, A, B. Here, B is the leading tone because it is a half step below the tonic C.
• The leading tone's function is to create harmonic and melodic tension that resolves upward to the tonic.

Examples

• Noun:
  • In the key of G major, the note F♯ is the leading tone.
  • The composer used the leading tone effectively to build anticipation before the final chord.
  • A strong cadence often features the leading tone moving to the tonic.

Advanced Usage

• Leading-tone chord: A chord built on the leading tone, most commonly a diminished triad (e.g., B diminished in C major: B, D, F). This chord has a very strong pull toward the tonic chord.
  • The diminished leading-tone chord resolved powerfully to the tonic.
• Implied leading tone: In some musical styles or modes (like the Mixolydian mode), the seventh scale degree is a whole step below the tonic. This note is sometimes called a "subtonic" rather than a true leading tone because it lacks the strong half-step pull.
  • The piece uses a modal flavor by avoiding the traditional leading tone.

Variants and Related Words

• Subtonic (n): The seventh degree of a scale when it is a whole step below the tonic. This is the opposite of a leading tone in terms of interval.
• Leading-note (n): A less common synonym for "leading tone," primarily used in British English.
• Sensible (n): An archaic term, primarily used in historical music theory contexts, synonymous with "leading tone."

Synonyms

• Seventh scale degree: A more technical, functional term.
• Ti: In movable-do solfège, the leading tone is sung as "Ti" (e.g., in the scale Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti, Do).

Related Concepts

• Resolution: The movement of a note or chord from a state of tension to a state of rest. The leading tone's primary function is to resolve to the tonic.
  • The resolution of the leading tone is a key moment in the phrase.
• Dominant chord: The chord built on the fifth scale degree (V). It almost always contains the leading tone and creates the strongest pull toward the tonic chord (I).
  • The dominant chord includes the leading tone, which wants to resolve.

Noun

1. (music) the seventh note of the diatonic scale