subtonic
/sʌbˈtɑnɪk/
noun
- In music, the seventh note of a diatonic scale, one step below the tonic.
- In the key of C major, the subtonic is the note B.
- The chord built on the subtonic often creates a strong pull back to the tonic.
- The composer used the subtonic to add tension before the final resolution.
Synonyms