tonic
Let an agent explain the tonic in music theory, help identify the tonic of a piece and use it in analysis and composition, and separate linguistic and drink senses.
Research draft, second pass
A second pass drafted this model: the structure a model of this thing needs, and what is known about it in the world. The line under this one says how the second half was obtained - researched against sources, or recalled without web access, in which case nothing here was read anywhere and every claim is a lead to verify. Unreviewed either way.
written by Claude from model knowledge without web access - no source was read, every claim is a lead to verify
Researched by: Claude
Purpose and description
Let an agent explain the tonic in music theory, help identify the tonic of a piece and use it in analysis and composition, and separate linguistic and drink senses.
In music, the first scale degree of a diatonic scale and the tonal centre to which melodies and harmonies gravitate, giving a key its name, with the tonic chord as the point of rest; the term also names a tonic accent in linguistics and, as a separate sense, a medicinal or refreshing drink.
What it is for: Music theory, analysis and composition.
It can be identify the tonic of a passage; explain tonic function and cadences; relate tonic to key and mode; separate other senses.
Distinguishing features
Scale degree one
Tonal centre
Names the key
Point of resolution
What it looks like
Not physical; a scale degree in notation and sound.
How it is recognised
First degree of the scale
Point of rest in cadences
The dominant is the fifth degree
Related models
is a kind of - category
is part of - structure
is related to - other musical element
is confused with - drink sense
In practice
Families and kinds
tonic in major and minor keys
tonic in modal music
tonic chord and function
tonic in non-Western systems such as sa or the finalis
Standards and regulation
No regulation; music theory conventions
Failure modes and hazards
Misidentifying the tonic in modal or ambiguous music
Confusing senses
Also called
Where this came from
wikidata · CC0 1.0
Also registered as vr.tr.tonic-artifact
Drafted structure
Bundle to layer to finding to question, as the second pass will find it: 4 bundles · 8 layers · 8 findings · 16 questions.
Identify Finding the tonic.
Listen for rest.
Key
Key and tonic.
Key
Key.
- What is the tonic of this piece or passage, based on key signature, cadences and final? definition
- Does the tonic change through modulation? boundary
Modal
Modes and ambiguity.
Modal
Modal music.
- In modal or non-tonal music, what serves as the tonal centre, if any? boundary
- How is the finalis related? definition
Function Tonic function.
Rest and departure.
Harmony
Tonic chord.
Harmony
Harmony.
- How does the tonic chord function in cadences and progressions? definition
- Which chords substitute for it? definition
Melody
Melodic role.
Melody
Melody.
- How do melodies establish and return to the tonic? definition
- How is tonic emphasised in this style? provenance
Use Composition and performance.
Practical use.
Compose
Writing with the tonic.
Compose
Composition.
- How can the tonic be delayed or emphasised for effect? action
- How do pedal points use it? definition
Ear
Ear training.
Ear
Ear training.
- How can hearing the tonic be practised? action
- Which exercises help with solfege? action
Senses Disambiguation.
Tonic has other senses.
Other
Other meanings.
Other
Other meanings.
- Is tonic water, a health tonic or a tonic accent meant? boundary
- Which entry fits? action
Systems
Other music systems.
Systems
Other systems.
- What corresponds to the tonic in Indian, Arabic or other music systems? provenance
- How is it named? provenance
What the second pass must settle
- Should tonic function be a separate entry?
- How should theory resources be linked?
- How should non-Western equivalents be linked?