Uploaded May 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
What is a leading tone?
A leading tone is a tone which resolves to a semitone higher or lower. In the context of tonal harmony, the leading tone is the seventh scale degree of the major scale. In the harmonic minor scale, the leading tone is the raised seventh scale degree, a major seventh above the tonic.
The leading tone gives a sense of resolution. This tendency is particularly important in the construction of cadential progressions. In a cadence, the leading tone becomes an essential part of the dominant harmony.
In this example, the leading tone is shown in the tonalities of C major and C minor. In both cases, the leading tone is B natural, a major seventh above C.
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What is a leading tone?
A leading tone is a tone which resolves to a semitone higher or lower. In the context of tonal harmony, the leading tone is the seventh scale degree of the major scale. In the harmonic minor scale, the leading tone is the raised seventh scale degree, a major seventh above the tonic.
The leading tone gives a sense of resolution. This tendency is particularly important in the construction of cadential progressions. In a cadence, the leading tone becomes an essential part of the dominant harmony.
In this example, the leading tone is shown in the tonalities of C major and C minor. In both cases, the leading tone is B natural, a major seventh above C.
Membership:
If you like my videos and would like to support me, please consider joining my channel, you will also get access to perks and exclusive videos. To join my channel please click on the Join button next to Subscribe, or follow this link:
youtube.com/channel/UCUhfJn88d32udI3ePN9V15A/join
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