Supertonic
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Play (help·info)In music or music theory, the supertonic is the second degree or note of a diatonic scale (in other words, immediately "above" the tonic). In music theory, the supertonic chord is symbolized by the Roman numeral ii in a major scale, indicating that the chord is a minor chord (for example, D-F-A in C major), or iio in a natural minor scale, indicating that the chord is a diminished chord (for example, D-F-A♭ in C natural minor).
In a circle of fifths chord progression, the supertonic naturally leads to the Dominant chord. Because of this, the supertonic is known as a predominant chord, and is often used to prepare a cadence. Other predominant chords include the subdominant chord (IV or iv), the leading tone chord (viio) and the secondary dominant (V/V), all of which share two common tones with the supertonic. The inherent similarities between predominant chords allow them to be used interchangeably for harmonic variety. A supertonic chord that leads to an authentic cadence is known as a ii-V-I turnaround.
"Supertonic" also refers to a relationship of musical keys. For example, relative to the key of C major, the key of D major (or D minor) is the supertonic. Modulation (change of key) to the supertonic is relatively common (by far the most common modulation in modern popular music),[citation needed] though in classical music it is more common to modulate to the dominant or other keys.
In German theory derived from Hugo Riemann the supertonic is considered the subdominant parallel: Sp/T in major and sP/T in minor.
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