Tonal music is a style of music that is based on a specific key or tonal center. This means that the music revolves around a particular note, known as the tonic, which gives the piece its sense of direction and resolution. Common scales used in tonal music include the major scale and the minor scale, which create different moods and emotions. In tonal music, harmony plays a crucial role, as chords are built around the tonic and its related notes. Composers often use chord progressions to create tension and release, guiding the listener through the music. This structure is a hallmark of many genres, including classical, jazz, and pop music.