tonal theory

Tonal theory is the study of how music constructs and organizes pitches to create a sense of tension and resolution. It explains how certain notes and chords relate to a central pitch, called the tonic, which feels like the "home" note. Through patterns of tension (dissonance) and release (consonance), tonal music guides listeners’ emotional experience and sense of direction. Essentially, it describes the rules and relationships that composers use to create coherence, interest, and emotional impact within a piece.