tonal music theory

Tonal music theory explains how Western music creates a sense of stability and movement through relationships between pitches, chords, and keys. It’s centered around a home note or key (the tonic) that provides a central point of rest. Composers use scales, chords, and progressions to guide listeners through tension and resolution, emphasizing certain notes and chords that feel more "at home" than others. This system helps create emotional impact and coherence, as melodies and harmonies relate predictably around a tonal center, making music feel meaningful and complete to the listener.