Pick the diatonic chord you want to emphasize. In C major, choosing G makes G the temporary target.
Secondary Dominant Calculator
Choose a diatonic target chord to calculate its V/x secondary dominant, vii°/x leading-tone chord, and tritone substitution. Hear each chromatic chord resolve to its target, then share the exact key and result.
Diatonic Targets
Choose the temporary destination. The tonic gives a primary dominant; every other target produces a true secondary dominant.
Applied Chord Options
Click a chord to inspect it, or use “Hear resolution” to compare each two-chord route.
How the Secondary Dominant Calculator Works
A secondary dominant briefly treats a diatonic chord as if it were a tonic. That temporary dominant introduces one or more chromatic notes while preserving a clear destination.
A perfect fifth above G is D. Build a dominant seventh there to get , or V7/V.
Play before . The F♯ in D7 acts as a temporary leading tone into G.
Secondary Dominants in C Major
The tonic’s dominant is primary harmony, so the most useful secondary dominants point to ii, iii, IV, V, or vi.
| Target | Applied dominant | Analysis | Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| V7/ii | A7 → Dm | ||
| V7/iii | B7 → Em | ||
| V7/IV | C7 → F | ||
| V7/V | D7 → G | ||
| V7/vi | E7 → Am |
Secondary Dominant FAQ
What is a secondary dominant? It is a dominant chord that tonicizes a diatonic chord other than the home tonic. D7 → G in C major is the familiar V7/V example.
What is a secondary leading-tone chord? It is an applied diminished chord built a semitone below the target. It often provides a tighter, more voice-leading-focused alternative to V/x.
Can the target be minor? Yes. A7 → Dm and E7 → Am are common secondary-dominant resolutions in C major.