Based on the MINOR key signature, what is the harmonic function of the given note?

[ Select ]
tonic
supertonic
mediant
subdominant
dominant
submediant
subtonic
leading-tone

Question

Based on the MINOR key signature, what is the harmonic function of the given note?

[ Select ]
tonic
supertonic
mediant
subdominant
dominant
submediant
subtonic
leading-tone

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To begin, let's restate the essentials of the question and the available harmonic functions for a MINOR key: the options correspond to scale-degree functions in a minor scale, namely tonic (1), supertonic (2), mediant (3), subdominant (4), dominant (5), submediant (6), subtonic (7 in natural minor), and leading-tone (the raised 7th degree in harmonic/melodic minor when applicable).

Option 1: tonic. This would be the first scale degree and is the tonal center or home pitch of the key. If the given note were the first degree, its function would be tonic, not mediant. Since the answer provided is mediant, this option would be incorrect for a note that functions as the 3rd scale degree.

Option 2: supertonic. The supertonic is the second degree of the scale. A note with supertonic function would typically be part of ii or ii° chords and resolve toward the dominant or tonic in common progressions. If the given note is the third degree, it would not serve as supertonic, so this option is incorrect.

Option 3: mediant. The mediant is the third scale degree in a minor scale (the third note of the scale). In harmonic contexts, a note on the mediant can participate in iii chords or be approached/resolved in various ways, but its primary designation in functional terms is mediant. Since the provided answer is mediant, this option is correct.

Option 4: subdominant. The subdominant is the fourth degree. Functionally, IV or iv chords originate from this degree. A note on the fourth degree would have subdominant function, not mediant, making this option incorrect for a note that is actually the mediant.

Option 5: dominant. The dominant is the fifth degree and is strongly linked to tension resolving to the tonic. If the note were the fifth degree, its function would be dominant, so this option would be incorrect for a mediant note.

Option 6: submediant. The submediant is the sixth degree. It has its own distinct function and would be incorrect for a note that is the mediant.

Option 7: subtonic. The subtonic is the seventh degree in natural minor (not raised). It functions differently from the mediant and would not be the mediant degree, so this is incorrect for a mediant note.

Option 8: leading-tone. The leading-tone is the raised seventh degree often labeled as leading-tone in harmonic or melodic minor contexts. It has a strong tendency to resolve to the tonic, which is a different function from mediant. Therefore, this option is incorrect when the note is mediant.

Summary: evaluating each option against the idea that the note in question serves as the third degree of the minor scale, only the mediant option accurately describes its harmonic function. All other degrees describe different positions and functions within the minor key, so they do not fit the given note's role.

Music 133 - Sections 98 & 99 Assignment 21: Harmonic Function

Based on the MINOR key signature, what is the harmonic function of the given note? [ Select ] tonic supertonic mediant subdominant dominant submediant subtonic leading-tone

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