E Is The Dominant In The Scale Of A Major.

E: The Dominant Force in the Major Scale

The major scale, a cornerstone of Western music theory, is built upon a specific pattern of intervals: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half. This seemingly simple structure gives rise to a rich tapestry of harmonic possibilities, with each note playing a unique role. While the tonic (the root note) is the foundation, and the leading tone creates tension resolving to the tonic, it's the dominant – the fifth degree of the scale – that often holds the most compelling power. This article delves into the significance of the dominant, specifically the note E, when considering the C major scale as our example, exploring its harmonic function, melodic implications, and its overall dominance within the musical landscape of the major scale. Understanding the role of the dominant is crucial for any aspiring musician, composer, or music theorist.

Understanding the Major Scale and its Degrees

Before we dive into the specific dominance of E in C major, let's briefly review the major scale and its degrees. The C major scale consists of the notes C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C. Each note holds a specific function within the harmony:

I (Tonic): C – The foundation, the home base, providing stability and resolution.
ii (Supertonic): D – Often creates a sense of anticipation and movement towards the dominant.
iii (Mediant): E – Provides a gentle contrast and often resolves to the dominant.
IV (Subdominant): F – Creates a sense of harmonic stability, acting as a subdominant chord.
V (Dominant): G – The powerful force, creating strong tension that naturally resolves to the tonic.
vi (Submediant): A – Adds a touch of melancholy or minor feel, often resolving to the dominant or tonic.
vii° (Leading Tone): B – Creates strong tension, naturally resolving to the tonic.

It's this fifth degree, the dominant (in our example, G), and its relationship to the tonic that forms a core principle of Western tonal music. The dominant's strong pull towards the tonic is what provides the driving force and resolution in countless musical pieces.

The Dominant's Influence: Why E is Crucial in the Context of C Major

While G is the dominant chord in C major, the note E plays a crucial, albeit less directly apparent, role in establishing the dominant's power. Let's examine this:

The V Chord's Composition: The G dominant chord (G-B-D) contains the note D, which is the mediant in C major. However, the major third of the G major chord is B. This B is the leading tone in C major, creating strong upward pull towards the tonic C. It's this inherent tension and the resolution that makes the G dominant chord so effective. The E itself, though not directly in the G chord, underpins the entire structure.
The E Major Chord's Role: The E major chord (E-G#-B) is a secondary dominant chord. While not as strongly rooted as the G dominant, it functions as a dominant leading to the dominant. This means that E major creates tension that naturally resolves to the G dominant chord, thus strengthening the G's pull towards the tonic. This creates a "dominant of the dominant" effect.
Melodic Significance: E appears frequently in melodies within the C major scale. Its intervallic relationship to both the tonic (C) and the dominant (G) allows for smooth melodic transitions and striking phrases. E's presence in a melody often leads the ear towards these crucial points, effectively guiding the listener’s experience.
Harmonic Context: The relationship between E and G (a perfect fifth) is fundamental in the harmonic structure of C major. This relationship helps establish the overall tonal center of the piece. E's position as the mediant further strengthens its place within the tonal fabric. Its harmonic function, though seemingly understated compared to the dominant chord's direct influence, is nonetheless essential.

E's Interplay with Other Degrees: Creating Harmonic Richness

E's role isn't isolated; it's intrinsically linked to other degrees within the C major scale, contributing to a richer harmonic experience:

E and the ii-V-I Progression: The ubiquitous ii-V-I progression (D minor - G major - C major) relies heavily on the interplay between E and other notes. E is the major third of the D minor chord, contributing to its minor character. When moving to the G major chord, this major third creates a smoother transition to the G chord's major quality.
E and the vi-V-I Progression: Similar to the ii-V-I progression, the vi-V-I progression (A minor – G major - C major) highlights E's harmonic functions. E is the leading tone of the A minor chord, and it smoothly connects to the G major dominant.
Secondary Dominants and E: The presence of E is not limited to the context of the tonic key. E can be used to create secondary dominants. This effectively 'borrows' from other keys to build harmonic interest and complexity. For example, an E7 chord (E-G#-B-D) can function as a dominant to A major, adding a further layer of harmonic depth.

E in Melodic Contexts: Shaping Musical Phrases

Beyond its harmonic functions, E's melodic presence is equally significant:

Scalar Motion: E's position in the C major scale facilitates smooth scalar motion, both ascending and descending. Its inclusion in melodic lines contributes to the natural flow and phrasing of musical ideas.
Stepwise Motion: The use of stepwise motion (moving between notes a single interval apart) involving E creates a sense of natural progression and fluidity.
Leap and Resolution: A leap to E followed by a resolution to G or C adds a dynamic element to the melody, creating a pleasing sense of tension and release.
Ornamentation: E can serve as a passing tone or neighbor tone, adding embellishment and expressive nuance to a melody.

The Dominant's Importance in Music History and Theory

The dominant's importance transcends the C major scale and extends throughout Western music history. The powerful pull of the dominant towards the tonic has shaped countless musical masterpieces.

Classical Period: Composers like Mozart and Haydn masterfully used dominant-tonic resolutions to create compelling and emotionally resonant music. The dominant chord often provided the driving force in their symphonies and sonatas.
Romantic Period: Romantic composers like Beethoven and Brahms expanded on the dominant function, adding chromatic alterations and increased harmonic complexity to heighten dramatic tension and emotional expression.
Jazz and Popular Music: The ii-V-I progression, with its inherent dominant-tonic relationship, forms the backbone of countless jazz standards and popular songs. The dominant chord provides the crucial harmonic tension that drives the music forward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the dominant always the fifth degree of a scale?

A: In major and minor keys, yes, the dominant is the fifth degree. However, the concept of "dominance" can be extended to other chords that function similarly, creating tension and resolving to a specific chord.

Q: What makes the dominant so "powerful"?

A: The dominant's power stems from its inherent intervallic relationship with the tonic. The strong pull of the perfect fifth (dominant to tonic) creates a powerful sense of resolution when the tonic is reached.

Q: Can the dominant be altered?

A: Yes! Chromatic alterations (adding or subtracting sharps or flats from the dominant chord) can create increased tension and expressive possibilities, adding colour and interest to the harmony.

Q: What role does E play outside of C major?

A: E plays a significant role in many other keys and modes. Its position as the major third of C major is simply one of its many harmonic functions. In other keys, it can take on different roles, acting as tonic, dominant, or other harmonic degrees.

Conclusion: E's Undeniable Influence

In the context of C major, E might not immediately grab attention like the dominant G chord. However, a deeper understanding reveals E's integral contribution to the harmonic and melodic richness of the scale. Its presence within the structure of the dominant chord, its function in secondary dominant chords, and its melodic flexibility all contribute to its overall importance. E's influence, while subtle at times, is undeniable, underscoring the intricate web of relationships that define the power and beauty of the major scale. Understanding E's role within the larger harmonic structure provides a deeper appreciation for the complexities and subtleties of music theory, empowering musicians to create richer, more expressive music. The seemingly simple major scale becomes a vibrant tapestry of interconnected sounds, and E's contribution weaves beautifully into the larger picture.