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→Harmonic Functions
== Harmonic Functions ==
At the most basic level of abstraction, each diatonic chord has one of three functions: ''tonic'', ''pre-dominant'', or ''dominant''. The function of tonic chords is to establish tonality or resolve tension. Thus it is often the first and/or last chord in a song. Dominant functions to create tension that can be relieved by tonic chords. Pre-dominant chords serves to lead into dominant chords. Here is a table with all the diatonic chords and their function: {|class="wikitable"|-! Chord in C Major !! Harmonic Context !! Name !! Parallel of !! Harmonic Function|-| C || I || Tonic || || Tonic|-| Dm || ii || Supertonic || IV || Pre-Dominant|-| Em || iii || Mediant || V || Tonic/Dominant|-| F || IV || Subdominant || || Pre-Dominant|-| G || V || Dominant || || Dominant|-| Am || vi || Submediant || I || Pre-Dominant/Tonic|-| Bdim || vii° || Leading || || Dominant|}
This gives us our first and most basic chord progression: I - IV - V - I: