What is predominant chords?

Predominant chords are a category of chords that are used to establish harmony or tension leading towards a cadence or resolution. They are typically the second-most important chords in a typical Western music chord progression, ranking after the dominant chord and before the tonic chord.

The most common predominant chords are the subdominant chord (IV), the supertonic chord (ii), and the predominant seventh chords (ii7 and IV7). These chords are often used to build musical tension, leading to the dominant chord, which subsequently resolves to the tonic.

In the major scale, the subdominant chord (IV) is a major chord built on the fourth scale degree, while the supertonic chord (ii) is a minor chord built on the second scale degree. In the minor scale, the supertonic chord (ii) is a diminished chord built on the second scale degree, while the subdominant chord (IV) is a major chord built on the sixth scale degree.

Overall, predominant chords play a crucial role in shaping the harmonic structure of Western music, and their proper use can add color, depth, and complexity to any composition.