Toronto Piano Lessons: What are scale degrees in music?
2024-12-24 - Alvin
Scale degrees are a fundamental concept in music theory, providing a way to identify the position of a note within a scale. Understanding scale degrees will deepen your grasp of how music works and enhance your ability to analyze, compose, and perform.
What Are Scale Degrees?
In a diatonic scale, each note is assigned a specific number, or “degree,” that represents its position relative to the tonic (the first note of the scale). These scale degrees are numbered from 1 to 7 in ascending order. After the seventh degree, the sequence starts over with the octave (the eighth note), which is the same pitch class as the tonic but an octave higher.
Here are the scale degrees in a major scale:
- Tonic – The first note and the “home base” of the scale.
- Supertonic – The second note, just above the tonic.
- Mediant – The third note, midway between the tonic and dominant.
- Subdominant – The fourth note, just below the dominant.
- Dominant – The fifth note, a strong harmonic anchor.
- Submediant – The sixth note, midway between the tonic and subdominant.
- Leading Tone – The seventh note, leading back to the tonic.
Example: Scale Degrees in C Major
Let’s apply this to the C major scale, which consists of the notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, and B.
- Tonic: C (1)
- Supertonic: D (2)
- Mediant: E (3)
- Subdominant: F (4)
- Dominant: G (5)
- Submediant: A (6)
- Leading Tone: B (7)
When you play the C major scale, each note you hear corresponds to one of these degrees. These relationships are consistent no matter what key you’re in.
Why Are Scale Degrees Important?
Understanding scale degrees is crucial for:
- Analyzing Music: Recognizing patterns and relationships within a piece.
- Improvisation: Identifying key notes to target when creating melodies.
- Composing: Building chords and progressions that make sense harmonically.