Diatonic function
（重定向自Functional harmony）
![Tonic and tonic parallel in C major: CM and Am chords Play .](/Images/godic/202501/14/Tonic_parallel_in_C_major4738.png")
![The seven scale degrees in C major with their respective triads and Roman numeral notation](/Images/godic/202501/14/Scale_degrees_with_chords4738.png")
![](/Images/godic/202501/14/Diatonic_functions_in_hierarchical_order4738.png")
![](/Images/godic/202501/14/Tonic,_subdominant,_dominant,_and_their_parallels4738.png")
In tonal music theory, a diatonic function (also chord area) is the specific, recognized role of each of the 7 notes and their chords in relation to the diatonic key. In this context, role means the degree of tension produced by moving toward a note, chord or scale other than the tonic, and how this musical tension would be eased (resolved) towards the stability of returning to the tonic chord, note, or scale (namely, function).