Which chord would you use to create tension typically leading to resolution?

The dominant seventh chord is commonly used to create tension that typically leads to resolution in tonal music. This chord consists of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and a minor seventh. The presence of the minor seventh creates a strong pull towards the tonic chord, as it establishes an expectation for resolution. The dominant seventh chord naturally resolves to the tonic, which is the home chord in a key, creating a sense of satisfaction after the buildup of tension.

In contrast, while augmented chords, major seventh chords, and diminished seventh chords can also create tension, they do not have the same strong functional role in the harmonic progression that the dominant seventh chord does. The dominant seventh is built on the fifth scale degree and plays a critical role in establishing the tonal hierarchy, often referred to as the V7-I resolution in classical harmony. This makes it a key component in the progression of music and a prime choice for creating and resolving tension.