Submediant

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In music, the submediant is the sixth tonal degree of the diatonic scale. It is so called because it is a third below the tonic, in contrast to the mediant being a third above the tonic. It is the mediant of the subdominant triad. In the C major scale (white keys on a piano, starting on C), the submediant is the note A; and the submediant chord uses the notes A, C, and E. In music theory, the submediant chord is symbolized by the Roman numeral vi if it is within the major mode (because it is a minor triad, for example A-C-E in C major) or VI if it is within the minor mode (because it is a major triad, for example A♭-C-E♭ in C minor).

The submediant chord figures heavily in Jazz music, where it is used in the "ice cream change" progression which moves from the tonic through the submediant on the way to the ubiquitous II-V-I Jazz sequence (part of the cycle of fifths). This progression sounds pleasant since the submediant is, in turn, harmonically a fifth above the supertonic.

"Submediant" also refers to a relationship of musical keys. For example, relative to the key of C major, the key of A major (or A minor) is the submediant. Modulation (change of key) to the submediant is relatively rare, compared with, say, modulation to the dominant, and gives a feeling of relaxation. Susan McClary says that modulation to the lowered submediant (in C: A♭) represents a dream-like state of escape.

In German theory derived from Hugo Riemann the submediant in major is considered the tonic parallel (US relative), Tp, and the minor the subdominant parallel, sP.

Degrees of a diatonic scale
First note: Tonic Second note: Supertonic Third note: Mediant Fourth note: Subdominant Fifth note: Dominant Sixth note: Submediant Seventh note: Leading/Subtonic