1. the seventh degree of a major or minor scale, located one semitone below the tonic
Usage: music theory

Examples

• The subtonic creates tension that resolves naturally to the tonic.
• In C major, the subtonic is the note B.
• The composer emphasized the subtonic before returning to the home key.
• Students learn to identify the subtonic as the seventh scale degree.
• The subtonic’s pull toward the tonic is fundamental to Western harmony.
• She played the subtonic with particular emphasis in the cadence.