leading note

British  

/ ˈliːdɪŋ /

noun

1. another word for subtonic

2. (esp in cadences) a note, usually the subtonic of a scale, that tends most naturally to resolve to the note lying one semitone above it

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Example Sentences

But Gaga goes down, leaving that “bad” leading note hanging.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2014

Not infrequently the theme ends on the leading note or supertonic which strikes the ear with a perpetual surprise, the cadence leading one to anticipate a repetition rather than a conclusion of the air.

From Stories and Ballads of the Far Past Translated from the Norse (Icelandic and Faroese) with Introductions and Notes by Kershaw, Nora

Brunetiere, his fervent admirer, has named him the theologian of Providence, and has shown that in all his writings this doctrine is a leading note.

From The Idea of Progress An inguiry into its origin and growth by Bury, J. B. (John Bagnell)

Not fear but surprise was the leading note on his features.

From Recalled to Life by Allen, Grant

Children often forget that the leading note in a minor key invariably carries an accidental.

From Music As A Language Lectures to Music Students by Home, Ethel