In a major scale, which pitch is the dominant?

Study for the Academic Decathlon Music Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each accompanied by hints and explanations. Ensure you're ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

In a major scale, which pitch is the dominant?

Explanation:
The dominant is the fifth degree of a major scale. This pitch has a strong tendency to lead toward the tonic, giving a sense of resolution when moving to the main note of the scale. In a major key like C major, the notes go C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C, and the fifth note is G. So the dominant pitch is G. The other notes—C (the tonic), E (the third), A (the sixth)—serve different functions in the scale and do not act as the dominant.

The dominant is the fifth degree of a major scale. This pitch has a strong tendency to lead toward the tonic, giving a sense of resolution when moving to the main note of the scale. In a major key like C major, the notes go C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C, and the fifth note is G. So the dominant pitch is G. The other notes—C (the tonic), E (the third), A (the sixth)—serve different functions in the scale and do not act as the dominant.

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