Tonic Chord
A tonic chord is the first chord in a musical scale, serving as the home base or point of rest in a piece of music. It is built on the first note of the scale, known as the tonic, and typically consists of three notes: the tonic, the third, and the fifth. For example, in the key of C major, the tonic chord is C major, which includes the notes C, E, and G.
In Western music, the tonic chord plays a crucial role in establishing the key of a piece. It provides a sense of resolution and stability, making it a fundamental element in harmony. Musicians often return to the tonic chord to create a feeling of closure at the end of a musical phrase or composition.