In music theory, which term is used for the note that leads to the tonic?

The term that refers to the note that leads to the tonic is known as the leading tone. In Western music theory, the leading tone is the seventh scale degree of a diatonic scale. Its unique characteristic is that it is a half step below the tonic, which creates a strong tendency for resolution to the tonic. This resolution is a fundamental aspect of tonal harmony, as the leading tone's proximity to the tonic generates a sense of pull or drive towards it, enhancing the feeling of resolution in musical phrases.

In the context of a major scale, for instance, the leading tone is the note that naturally occurs before the tonic in the scale, such as B in the C major scale, which resolves to C. This resolution creates a satisfying musical experience and is widely utilized in both melodic lines and harmonic progressions.

Understanding this concept is essential for grasping how tonal music is structured and how composers create tension and resolution, making the leading tone an important element in music theory.