Subdominant parallel

Subdominant and subdominant parallel in C major (Sp): FM and Dm chords.^[1][2][3]  Play 

Subdominant and subdominant parallel in C minor (sP): Fm and A♭M chords  Play .

In music theory, the subdominant parallel is the relative to the subdominant and is thus considered to have or fulfill the function of the subdominant. The term is derived from German theory and the writings of Hugo Riemann.

The similarity between the subdominant and supertonic chords is easily seen and heard through the supertonic seventh chord  Play .

Thus in C major the subdominant is F, whose relative key is D-minor (otherwise considered the supertonic of C) and called Sp.^[4] In C minor the relative key of F-minor is Ab-major (or submediant of c) and abbreviated sP.

See also

• Chord substitution
• Riemannian theory

Sources

1. Percy Goetschius, Immanuel Faisst (1889). The Material Used in Musical Composition, p.139. G. Schirmer.
2. Kober, Thorsten (2003). Guitar Works: A Comprehensive Guide to Playing the Guitar, p.136. ISBN 978-0-634-03123-6.
3. Sebastian Kalamajski (2000). All Aspects of Rock & Jazz, p.35. ISBN 978-87-88619-68-3.
4. Haunschild, Frank (2000). The New Harmony Book, p.47. ISBN 978-3-927190-68-9.