Subdominant parallel

Subdominant and subdominant parallel in C major: FM and Dm chords Play^ⓘ.

Subdominant and subdominant parallel in C minor: 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. In C minor the relative key of F is Ab-major (or submediant of c) and abbreviated sP.

See also

• Chord substitution