Music GCSE
Tonic and dominant relationships
What Tonic and dominant relationships means in Music GCSE, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definition of Tonic and dominant relationships
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Tonic and dominant relationships in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: Pearson Edexcel
The tonic is the home note and chord that the music gravitates towards, and the dominant is the key a perfect fifth above the tonic.
Topics that use Tonic and dominant relationships
- Component 3: Appraising - Musical elements (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Basic modulation and its signals
- Cadence types and their effect
- Dotted rhythms
- Dynamic markings
- Harmonic chord progressions
- Justifying a structure from listening evidence
- Major and minor tonality
- Melodic contour and devices
Using Tonic and dominant relationships in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
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