Dissonant intervals are used exclusively in atonal music to create a sense of tonal ambiguity and avoid traditional harmonic progressions.

Dissonant intervals create harmonic tension that seeks resolution, driving the music forward and providing contrast to consonant harmonies.

Dissonant intervals function solely as ornamental devices, adding color to the melody without affecting the overall harmonic structure.

Dissonant intervals primarily serve to establish the tonal center of a composition by emphasizing the dominant-tonic relationship.