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Tonic in Music

Question: What’s a tonic?

Albert’s reply: The tonic is the first note of any scale. If the key is C major, then C is the tonic. If you’re in A-flat major, then A-flat is the tonic.

Since the tonic is the main note in any key, it’s sometimes also called the key note. (Hence the pun: key-notes!)

The tonic in music can also refer to the chord (triad) built on the first scale degree. In C major, the C major triad (C-E-G) is the tonic triad or chord. In A-flat major, the A-flat major triad (A♭-C-E♭) is the tonic triad.

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Albert Frantz learned piano as an adult. Now a Bösendorfer Artist based in Vienna, his debut album was an official jury nomination for the German Record Critics' Award. As an international keynote speaker, Albert has presented frequently at TEDx conferences and spoken on children's rights at the United Nations. In his spare time he has trained with Formula One drivers and completed Ironman triathlons. Albert's unique story was the subject of a documentary and he was the cover story for Toastmaster Magazine in 142 countries.