Parallel sound

In musical function theory, parallel sound is the term used to describe (minor) third related triads of the parallel keys to the main functions .

In the spelling of functional theory, major sounds are always designated with capital letters, minor sounds with lower case letters.

With the "real" third-octave relationship, the tone system of the parallel sound is always opposite to the original sound :

• Tp : minor parallel of the major tonic (for tonic C major, A minor)
• tP : major parallel of the minor tonic (for tonic A minor, C major)

• Sp : minor parallel of the major subdominant (in the case of the subdominant F major, D minor). In the English-speaking world with the proper name super tonic, in French sus-tonique.
• sP : major parallel of the minor subdominant (with subdominant D minor, F major)

• Dp : minor parallel of the major dominant (in the case of the dominant G major, E minor)
• dP : major parallel of the minor dominant (in the case of the dominant in E minor, G major)

If chromatically changed ( altered ) thirds are used, same-sex parallel sounds can also occur as variant sounds ; one then speaks of an "extended" key. Examples:

• TP : major parallel to major tonic (for tonic in C major also A major; "dying" parallel)
• tp : minor parallel to minor tonic (for tonic A minor, C minor; "vermollte" parallel)

Another type of third-related minor triads are the counter-sounds .