# Scale degrees

*Module 5 · Lesson 2: The major scale and keys · BazzLow*

> Refer to the notes of a scale by number and by name.

Before this lesson: [5.1 The major scale formula](https://bazzlow.com/en/major-scale-and-keys/major-scale-formula/)

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.

> **Diagram:** A one-octave C major scale with degree numbers: A string 1 (fret 3), 2 (fret 5); D string 3 (fret 2), 4 (fret 3), 5 (fret 5); G string 6 (fret 2), 7 (fret 4), 8 (fret 5).

## Degree names

*The traditional names of the scale degrees.*

| 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.

## Try it

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

- scale degree
- supertonic
- mediant
- subdominant
- dominant
- submediant
- leading tone
- subtonic

Page: https://bazzlow.com/en/major-scale-and-keys/scale-degrees/