Scale Degrees:
Each note of the major scale is given a number called a
scale degree. Using C major as an example, with the scale degrees under each note.
C D E F G A B C (Octave)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (1)
Note: Because the 1 and the 8 both represent the same note (but an octave apart) you may see the octave written as either an "8" or a "1".
These scale degree numbers correspond to individual notes in the scale. Using the C major scale written out above, the 1st scale degree ("1") corresponds to the C note, the 2nd scale degree ("2") corresponds to the D note, and so on...
These scale degrees are also given names:
The
1st scale degree is called the
Tonic
The
2st scale degree is called the
Supertonic
The
3rd scale degree is called the
Mediant
The
4th scale degree is called the
Subdominant
The
5th scale degree is called the
Dominant
The
6th scale degree is called the
Submediant
The
7th scale degree is called the
Leading Tone
The
8th scale degree is the repeat of the
Tonic (1st scale degree) one octave up
Out of this list the two most important ones to know are "
Tonic" and "
Dominant" as these are
very commonly used terms. You may have already heard these terms in use (such as a "dominant 7 chord")... If not, you have now.
