noun
dominant
The fifth note of a musical scale.
In the C major scale, G is the dominant.
Etymology
Latin dominari means to rule. Music uses dominant for the fifth scale degree because of its prominent harmonic role, especially in relation to the tonic.
More examples
- The singer holds the dominant before returning to the tonic.
- Count up five notes from the tonic to find the dominant.
- The students identify the dominants of several major scales.
Forms
dominant · dominants
Similar words
- fifth
- Names the same scale degree but also a musical interval.