| Musicians often refer to scale degrees (also called | | | | (Tonic). The notes of a scale are all assigned to these |
| notes) by a set of traditional names rather than by | | | | scale degree names. |
| their numbers such as 1,2,3, etc. This language is used | | | | Here is another way to look at it using the C major |
| frequently and by simply learning what they mean, | | | | scale: |
| you'll gain a greater understanding of the various terms | | | | 1st degree (1st note of scale) = Tonic (C) |
| and their function. | | | | 2nd degree (2nd note of scale) = Supertonic (D) |
| Let's use the C major scale as an example. If you | | | | 3rd degree (3rd note of scale) = Mediant (E) |
| don't know what a C major scale is or how to spell | | | | 4th degree (4th note of scale) = Subdominant (F) |
| one, then you should review my previous article entitled | | | | 5th degree (5th note of scale) = Dominant (G) |
| Busting Out The Myths of Major Scales so that you | | | | 6th degree (6th note of scale) = Submediant (A) |
| understand this next topic clearly. | | | | 7th degree (7th note of scale) = Leading Tone (B) |
| If we spell a major scale using my half step formula I | | | | 8th degree (8th note of scale) = Back to the Tonic (C) |
| mentioned in my last article, we come up with the | | | | If you have ever experienced chords in music, you'll |
| following starting on the note C: C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C. | | | | notice that the chords are also referred to in this |
| We can also refer to each note in the scale as a | | | | manner such as the tonic, subdominant and dominant. |
| number starting on C: 1 (C), 2 (D), 3 (E), 4 (F), 5 (G), 6 | | | | This basically means that the chords are built from |
| (A), 7 (B), 8 (C). | | | | these particular notes in the scale. We will discuss |
| However, more often than not, scale degree names | | | | chord structure in a later article. But the similarities are |
| are used instead of the numerical equivalent in order to | | | | important to understand and the scale degree names |
| clarify the note's function in the scale. In other words, | | | | are terms you want to memorize in order to |
| each note of the major scale from 1 to 8 is referred to | | | | effectively communicate with other musicians on any |
| as: Tonic, Supertonic, Mediant, Submediant, | | | | level. |
| Subdominant, Dominant, Submediant, Leading Tone and | | | | |