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G Major Chord

No change in size, 19:14, 3 July 2014
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Harmonic Theory: Dominant Chord
The 5th of the V chord is the 9th or 2nd of the scale, which isn't in the I chord. For a G chord, this is the D note. It can descend one whole-step to the root note of the I chord (C) for a very peaceful resolution or ascend one whole-step to the major 3rd of the I chord (E) for a richer harmony.
This makes the V chord ideal to lead into the I chord. This is called an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadence_(music)[Music_Theory_-_Diatonic_Chord_Progressions#Authentic_cadence Authentic_Cadence|authentic cadence]].
The V chord is also called the '''''Dominant chord'''''.
G C
V I
eE--3-----------0------------- bB--3-----------1------------- gG--0-----------0------------- dD--0-----------2------------- aA--2-----------3------------- eE--3-------------------------
Here's a piece of tab. Above the tab lines there's the chord names - G and C. Below that are V and I. Tab or sheet music is often marked with these roman numerals to identify the harmonic function of that part of the music. This assumes that we are in the key of C Major. If for instance, we were in the key of G Major, the markings would instead be I and IV.