Definition

1. Noun:
   • The sixth degree of a diatonic scale: In music theory, the submediant is the sixth note of a major or minor scale, located a third below the tonic (the first note of the scale). It serves as a harmonic and melodic function, often providing a sense of relaxation or movement away from the tonic.

Usage

• The submediant is a fundamental concept in tonal harmony, frequently used in chord progressions.
• It is typically notated with the Roman numeral vi in a major key or VI/vi in a minor key, depending on the quality of the chord built on that scale degree.

Examples

• Noun:
  • In the key of C major, the submediant is the note A.
  • The chord progression from the tonic (I) to the submediant (vi) is very common in popular music.
  • Composers often use the submediant chord to create a feeling of softness or introspection before returning to the tonic.

Advanced Usage

• "Submediant key": A key whose tonic is the submediant note of the original key. For example, the submediant key of C major is A minor.
• "Submediant function": Describes the role of chords based on the sixth scale degree, which often prepares or leads to the dominant (V) chord or provides a contrasting, stable area away from the tonic.

Variants and Related Words

• Mediant (n): The third degree of a diatonic scale, located a third above the tonic.
• Tonic (n): The first degree and central note of a scale.
• Dominant (n): The fifth degree of a diatonic scale.

Synonyms

• Sixth scale degree: A purely technical synonym describing its position in the scale.
• Superdominant: An older, less common term for the submediant, emphasizing its position a fifth above the supertonic (second degree).

Related Terms and Concepts

• Relative minor/major: The submediant of a major key is the tonic of its relative minor key (e.g., A minor is the relative minor of C major).
• Deceptive cadence: A cadence where the dominant chord (V) resolves not to the tonic (I) but to the submediant (vi), creating an unexpected harmonic shift.

Noun

1. (music) the sixth note of a major or minor scale (or the third below the tonic)