How do chords in a major scale belong to a key?

Question

How does each chord function for the key of E major?

E, F#m, G#m, A, B, C#m, D#dim, E

Why is the second chord called "supertonic" and the third "mediant"?

The third (or iii) chord seems to have this "lonely" sound to it when used at certin times. It seems to be "out there" but when followed by the IV and V chords, we return back to home base (I chord). Anyone else notice this? iii chords are far away, but IV and V are distant. Why?

Answer 1

E(I)= tonic

F#m(II)= supertonic(to understand it better, this chord is a substitute of a subdominant chord)

G#m(III)= mediant (or substitute of the tonic, that means you can repose on the chord without generatin tension)

A(IV)= subdominant

B(V)= dominant

C#m(VI)= submediant (you can repose on this chord as well)

D#m(VII)= = leading tone (or substitute of the dominant)

all these tells you the function of each chord in a cadence, so for example if you play a dominant chord it's expected from it to resolve in the tonic normally or in the mediants, while the subdominants tend to resolve in a dominant or any other chord diatonically related.

well, i hope it's clear, if not go get a teacher or something. and the chords not always respond to their function

Answer 2

It functions the same for every key.

The second chord (ii) is called the supertonic because it is "superior" to (meaning "one step above") the tonic. The "mediant" is halfway between the I and the V chords.

You answered your own question about the "reflection of itself" when comparing the iii to the I chord when you stated that it returns to the "tonic" or "root" (NOT "base"). In essence, each of these chords contain two of the same notes (C= CEG and Em = EGB) so the E and G reflect. The same is true for the vi chord (C = CEG and Am = ACE) whereby the C and E reflect. A minor is also the "relative minor" of the tonic (C).

For more help, read my answer to this question and check out some of the links:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

What is this? Music Theory Day?

Kabum