What is the functional role of the subtonic chord?

The Functional Role of the Subtonic Chord in Music

The subtonic chord is a harmonic element that plays a significant functional role in various musical contexts. This article explores the characteristics and applications of the subtonic chord, shedding light on its role in both major and minor keys, as well as its usage in jazz, rock, and popular music genres.

Overview of the Subtonic Chord

In both major and minor keys, the subtonic chord is associated with the seventh scale degree, which is a whole step below the tonic note. Its distinct sound and harmonic properties make it a versatile chord choice for composers and musicians.

Functional Role in Major Keys

In major keys, the subtonic chord often appears as a borrowed chord, providing a unique harmonic flavor. It can substitute for any chord function except the tonic, allowing composers to explore different tonal possibilities. The subtonic chord adds tension and a sense of harmonic movement when used in progressions, leading to resolutions to other chord functions.

Functional Role in Minor Keys

In minor keys, the subtonic chord is commonly notated as VII, omitting the flat symbol, as it naturally occurs in the minor scale. It serves as a secondary dominant to the mediant chord, creating a sense of tension and resolution. Additionally, the subtonic chord can be written as ♭VII, emphasizing its relationship with the flattened seventh scale degree.

Furthermore, the subtonic chord in minor can take the form of a major minor seventh chord (♭VII7), functioning as a dominant seventh chord. This chord progression adds a sense of bluesy or jazzy character to the music, contributing to its overall emotional impact.

Application in Jazz, Rock, and Popular Music

The subtonic chord finds extensive use in jazz, rock, and popular music genres. In jazz, the flattened seventh (subtonic) is often employed as a substitute for the dominant chord (V), particularly in the backdoor cadence (ii–♭VII7–I). The ♭VII chord functions as a pivot chord borrowed from the parallel minor, creating a smooth and unexpected harmonic progression.

In rock and popular music, the subtonic chord can precede tonic, dominant, and pre-dominant chords. Progressions such as ♭VII–IV–I are quite common and contribute to the characteristic sound of these genres. The subtonic chord adds harmonic interest and tension, enhancing the overall musical experience.

Creating Modal and Secondary Chord Qualities

By incorporating the subtonic chord, composers can create modal or secondary chord qualities, enriching the harmonic palette of a composition. Its inclusion adds a unique flavor to the harmony, expanding tonal possibilities and artistic expression. As a pre-dominant chord, the subtonic chord effectively leads to the dominant and tonic functions, further enhancing the overall harmonic progression.

Sources:

  1. Music: Practice & Theory Stack Exchange
  2. The Subtonic VII Chord in Popular Music
  3. Subtonic – Wikipedia

FAQs

The Functional Role of the Subtonic Chord in Music

What is the subtonic chord?

The subtonic chord is a chord that is built on the seventh scale degree of a key, which is a whole step below the tonic note. It adds tension and a unique harmonic flavor to musical compositions.

What is the functional role of the subtonic chord in major keys?

In major keys, the subtonic chord can appear as a borrowed chord, substituting for any chord function except the tonic. It creates tension and leads to resolutions, adding harmonic interest and movement to the music.

How is the subtonic chord used in minor keys?



In minor keys, the subtonic chord is commonly notated as VII, without the flat symbol, as it naturally occurs in the minor scale. It serves as a secondary dominant to the mediant chord, creating tension and contributing to the overall harmonic progression.

Can the subtonic chord be written as ♭VII in minor keys?

Yes, the subtonic chord can also be notated as ♭VII in minor keys, emphasizing its relationship with the flattened seventh scale degree. This notation highlights its dominant function in the minor key context.

What is the significance of the subtonic chord in jazz music?

In jazz, the subtonic chord, often represented as ♭VII, is frequently used as a substitute for the dominant chord (V). It is commonly employed in the backdoor cadence (ii–♭VII7–I), adding a unique harmonic color and creating smooth progressions.

How is the subtonic chord utilized in rock and popular music?

The subtonic chord is commonly used in rock and popular music genres. It can precede tonic, dominant, and pre-dominant chords, contributing to the characteristic sound of these genres. Progressions like ♭VII–IV–I are frequently employed and add harmonic interest and tension.

Can the subtonic chord create modal or secondary chord qualities?



Yes, incorporating the subtonic chord allows composers to create modal or secondary chord qualities. Its inclusion adds a unique flavor to the harmony, expanding tonal possibilities and artistic expression. The subtonic chord functions as a pre-dominant chord, leading to the dominant and tonic functions.

What are the key characteristics of the subtonic chord?

The subtonic chord is characterized by its placement on the seventh scale degree, a whole step below the tonic. It adds tension, creates harmonic interest, and can serve as a secondary dominant or substitute for the dominant chord. Its usage varies across different musical genres and contexts.