supertonic

IPA/ˌsuː.pəˈtɒn.ɪk/
IPA/ˈsuː.pɚ.tɑː.nɪk/

supertonic — noun

1. in music theory, the scale note that sits one step above the tonic in a standard

1.nounC2
Definition

in music theory, the scale note that sits one step above the tonic in a standard seven-note key

Example

Ms. Park asked the class to sing the supertonic before returning to the tonic.

classroom use: sing the supertonic before the tonic

On the piano, Andrés played the supertonic softly before returning to the tonic.

Common collocations
  • sing the supertonic
  • play the supertonic
  • the supertonic of C major
Synonyms
  • second degree

    technical label that focuses on scale numbering

  • re

    sol-fa name in do-based teaching, not the full theory term

Grammar Patterns

the supertonic

supertonic + of + key/scale

Usage Note

Used mainly in music lessons and theory writing. It names the scale step immediately above the tonic and often appears when teachers discuss how a melody moves toward or away from the home note.

Common Mistakes

The supertonic is always the first note of the key.
The supertonic is the note just above the tonic.
The first note is the tonic, not the supertonic.

supertonic — adjective

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

In music theory, the supertonic is the note or scale step directly above the tonic. The tonic is the home note of the key, the subdominant is the fourth step, and the dominant is the fifth. Learners often meet these terms together when analysing melody, harmony, and cadence, so remembering the number relation is useful: supertonic = 2, subdominant = 4, dominant = 5.

tonic ↗subdominantdominant ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • the supertonic of a key
  • supertonic chord
  • supertonic function

Etymology

Latin super ('above')Greek tonikos ('of tone')

Supertonic is formed from super-, meaning 'above', and tonic, the home note of a key. In music theory it names the scale step directly above the tonic.

First known use

1806

1806, in the meaning defined above