Dominant chords

A dominant chord is a major triad built on the fifth scale degree of either a major scale or a minor scale. Major triads consist of a root note, a major third, and a perfect fifth. A dominant seventh chord adds an additional scale degree—the flat seventh (also called a dominant seventh).

1. Why is it called a dominant chord?
2. What is the difference between a major chord and a dominant chord?
3. How do you make a dominant chord?
4. What are tonic and dominant chords?

Why is it called a dominant chord?

The 5th chord found in a scale is known as the dominant, because it is the "most important" interval (among other things, it's the first harmonic other than the octave). The dominant is also spelled in roman numeral, like this: V. A dominant seventh chord is a chord built upon the dominant of a major diatonic scale.

What is the difference between a major chord and a dominant chord?

A dominant 7th uses the symbol of a note name + 7 — for example C7, D7, E7, etc. ... A major 7th chord is formed by playing the root (1st) + 3rd + 5th + 7th notes of a major scale. A dominant 7th is formed by simply lowering the 7th note a half step. As an example, Cmaj7 = C - E - G - B (7th note).

How do you make a dominant chord?

By dropping the pitch of any one note in a diminished seventh chord by a semitone, the chord becomes the dominant seventh chord of a new key, which then can be resolved to the tonic to establish a change in key.

What are tonic and dominant chords?

The first (and last) note is called the tonic. The fifth note is called the dominant. The fourth note is called the subdominant. Notice that the subdominant is the same distance below the tonic as the dominant is above it (a generic fifth).