supertonic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareFormal technical / Specialized musical
Quick answer
What does “supertonic” mean?
In music theory, the second degree of the diatonic scale.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In music theory, the second degree of the diatonic scale; the note immediately above the tonic.
In functional harmony, the chord built on the supertonic (ii or ii⁶), which typically functions as a pre‑dominant chord leading to the dominant.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage between UK and US musical terminology.
Connotations
Purely technical, with no regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both varieties, confined to music theory contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “supertonic” in a Sentence
The supertonic is [adjective]The [chord/note] functions as the supertonicA progression from the supertonic to the [chord]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supertonic” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The supertonic function is crucial in this passage.
American English
- The supertonic harmony provides necessary tension.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used exclusively in musicology, music theory textbooks, and harmonic analysis.
Everyday
Not used in general conversation.
Technical
Core term in music theory for describing scale degrees, chord functions, and harmonic progressions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “supertonic”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “supertonic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supertonic”
- Confusing it with the 'subdominant' (fourth degree).
- Using it to refer to any non‑tonic chord.
- Misspelling as 'super tonic' (two words).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In a major key, the diatonic supertonic triad is minor (ii). In a minor key, it is diminished (ii°).
Yes. Primarily it refers to the second scale degree itself, but more commonly it denotes the chord built on that degree.
The dominant (fifth degree, V chord) creates strong tension that resolves directly to the tonic. The supertonic (second degree, ii chord) typically functions as a pre‑dominant, setting up the dominant.
The concept is used by analysts, but the term itself is rare outside formal theory. Songwriters might use the chord without naming it technically.
In music theory, the second degree of the diatonic scale.
Supertonic is usually formal technical / specialized musical in register.
Supertonic: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsuːpəˈtɒnɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsupərˈtɑnɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Super = above; tonic = home note. The supertonic is the note 'super' (above) the 'tonic' (home note).
Conceptual Metaphor
HIERARCHY / RELATIVE POSITION (The supertonic is defined by its position relative to the central 'home' note).
Practice
Quiz
What is the supertonic in the key of F major?