Scale degrees
Refer to the notes of a scale by number and by name.
Instead of note names, theory talks about the numbers of the notes in a scale. This is what lets one idea work in every key.
Numbers, not names
Each note of a scale has a degree number from 1 to 7 (8 is 1 an octave higher). In C major: C = 1, D = 2, E = 3, F = 4, G = 5, A = 6, B = 7.
Degree numbers describe function, not pitch. “The 5th” works in every key. This is how theory stays independent of key, and how the Degrees view of the diagrams works.
Degree names
| Degree | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | tonic |
| 2 | supertonic |
| 3 | mediant |
| 4 | subdominant |
| 5 | dominant |
| 6 | submediant |
| 7 | leading tone (a half step below the tonic) |
| ♭7 | subtonic (a whole step below the tonic, used in minor scales and modes) |
Three of them matter most. The tonic feels like home. The dominant (5) is the strongest support of the tonic. The leading tone (7) pulls up to the tonic. These roles come back in Module 8.
Play a one-octave C major scale and say the degree numbers instead of the note names. Then play 1-3-5-8, 1-5-1, and 5-6-7-8.
New terms
Tools
- Bass Map: Arpeggios, circle of fifths, natural harmonics, modes and scales on the bass neck, in any key.
- Key Chords: The chords of every major and minor key, chosen on the circle of fifths, with bass boxes and common progressions.