The leading tone is so named because it leads a listener's ear to the tonic. For example, in the key of C major (C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C) the leading tone is B and the tonic is C. In every major key, the leading tone-the seventh note-is always a half-step below the tonic, or first note, of the key.

“Tonic” is another name for the first note of the scale. The “leading tone” is another name for the seventh of the scale. These two important notes are called the leading tone and the tonic.

The satisfying resolution comes from two important notes inside of the V and I chords which are a half-step apart and smoothly connect from one to the next. What is it that creates tension in the V chord which pleasingly resolves to the I chord? A cadence is a harmonic or melodic structure at the end of a phrase or section of music. In music theory this V-I progression is known as an authentic cadence or full cadence. The tension of the dominant V chord resolves to the tonic I chord. Music's strongest harmonic movement is found in major keys where the V chord moves to the I chord. Then, I will explain how the same sound is often applied in minor keys. First, we will review how V chords work in major keys. Let's look at what happens in this special situation. In minor keys, however, there is a frequent harmonic “adjustment” made where the minor v chord of the natural minor scale is changed into a major triad or dominant 7th chord. The notes in these chords all come from the A natural minor scale. For example, in the key of A Minor the chord built on the fifth of the scale is an Em (E G B) or Em7 (E G B D). The v chord, when derived from the notes of the natural minor scale, falls as a minor triad or minor 7th chord. Minor keys revolve around the natural minor scale. In minor keys, there is more to understand about the v chord.

B flat harmonic minor scale notation