The names of the scale degrees are one of the most important things in music theory, they are important in both major and minor scales. One thing to note is that the 7th Scale Degree is called the Subtonic when you’re in a Minor (Natural) scale and it’s called the Leading Note when in a Major scale. The last sharp, E♯, is a half-step below the note F♯. In English, the names of the scale degrees are also the names of their function, and they remain the same in major and in minor. 7th degree: the leading note (or leading tone) The 8th degree of the scale is actually the tonic but an octave higher. In flat key signatures, the second-to-last flat is the tonic. We'll learn more about what those functions are in more advanced tutorials. Scale according to Jermaine Griggs, can be defined as “…a regular succession of notes, played/heard in ascending or descending order [using a fixed formula. 2. The third key signature in Example 7 is in alto clef. To say these numbers out loud, we can say either “scale degree one” or “the first scale degree.” For example, Sol is the fifth scale degree. These names apply to all major and minor scales. Learn scale degree names with free interactive flashcards. For example, G is the dominant of C major, and B is the dominant of E major. Each note of a scale has a special name, called a scale degree. If you or someone you know would like to author some of the tutorials, please let me know by sending a message to me via the feedback form. But, each scale degree has a special name too which are sometimes referred to as the technical names of the scale. Strict Four-Voice Composition, Partimenti, and Schemata, A brief history of basso continuo keyboard-style voice-leading, Tendency tones and functional harmonic dissonances, Generating Roman numerals from a figured bass line, Galant schemas – The Rule of the Octave and Harmonising the Scale with Sequences, Foundational Concepts for Phrase-level Forms, Expansion and Contraction at the Phrase Level, V. Diatonic Harmony, Tonicization, and Modulation, Introduction to Harmony, Cadences, and Phrase Endings, Strengthening Endings with Strong Pre-dominants, Prolonging Tonic at Phrase Beginnings with V6 and Inverted V7s, Performing Harmonic Analysis Using the Phrase Model, Prolongation at Phrase Beginnings using the Leading-tone Chord, La (scale degree 6) in the bass at beginnings, middles, and endings, Mi (scale degree 3) in the bass at beginnings, Diatonic Sequences in Middles (in progress--no examples yet), Extended Tonicization and Modulation to Closely Related Keys, Introduction to Harmonic Schemas in Pop Music, Pitch Class Sets, Normal Order, and Transformations, Analyzing with Modes, Scales, and Collections. The 1st is the tonic. The supertonic is just above the tonic in the note scale. Note that the pattern of half- and whole-steps is the same in every major scale, as shown in Examples 1 and 2. The circle of fifths is a convenient visual. Scale-degree Names. The different scale degrees also have names. 「VI」 Submediant = Sixth degree; This names comes from this notes placement between the Tonic and the Subdominant. Example 3 shows the notes of the A♭ major scale out of order, with Scale-degree Names: In Example 3, the numbers and arrows above the staff indicate generic intervals above and below the tonic. Scale degree names are respective to each note of the scale. Therefore, this is the key signature of F♯ major. The most important scale degree is the tonic, the second most important is the dominant. For example, G is the dominant of C major, and B is the dominant of E major. The tonic is the tonal center of a key; it is like home base, where all harmonic tension is released. Scale degree names are the technical names for the notes of the scale. What are the scale degree names in music? Dominant refers to the 5th scale degree. Example 4 shows a key signature, after a bass clef but before a time signature: Major key signatures collect the accidentals in a major scale and place them at the beginning of a composition so that it is easier to keep track of which notes have accidentals applied to them. To author a tutorial or quiz, only written content is needed. Example 3. Write these intervals above the given tonic notes 3rd 4th Unison 6th 8ve 3. 「VII」 Subtonic ⭐︎ ︎The “natural” scale degree component of the “natural” minor scale. A scale is a group of pitches (scale degrees) arranged in ascending order. A major scale, a sound with which you are undoubtedly familiar, consists of seven whole (W) and half (H) steps in the following succession: W-W-H-W-W-W-H. The different scale degrees also have names. In Example 1 the first note is C and the last note is C. Major scales are named for their first and last note. The first note of a scale is  and the numbers ascend until the last note of a scale, which is also usually  (although some instructors prefer ). The third is the mediant, halfway between the tonic and dominant. [/footnote], Structure of Individual Sections (Simple vs. Graphics and audio will be created by me based on your instructions. The 4th is actually 5 below the tonic (hence the name subdominant – “sub” means … The bottom three key signatures (at 7, 6, and 5 o’clock) in Example 13 are enharmonic . It's the last resting point. These technical names are directly related to the concept of tonality or key. Each scale degree has a name: G major scale # $! Major key signatures are said to be “real” if they are one of the key signatures in Examples 10 or 11. Scale Degree Names. In C major, C is the tonic note or chord. The order of the flats and sharps and key signatures is the same, regardless of clef. What is the first scale degree? Scale Degree Scale Degree Name A Minor (Natural) scale The Make sure you can connect solfege syllables to scale degree numbers and back again. Example: C Major Scale Tonic: C Supertonic: D Mediant: E Subdominant: F Dominant: G Submediant: A Leading Tone: B The names of the other scale degrees reflect their relationship to the tonic or dominant. Feel free to tell me what you think about the topics covered or give ideas for new tutorials that you would like to see added. Scale: _____ A AAAAA AA Scale: _____ 3 3 3 3 3 ' AN AAAAN AN AANA IA AAAA IIA+N 2 5 9 10 4 1 PageBlitzBooksT2Supplement2 www.blitzbooks.com.au 1. A major scale always starts and ends on notes of the same letter name, which should be an octave apart. Example 8 shows a few flat key signatures in different clefs: The first key signature in Example 8 is in bass clef. In music theory, the term scale degree refers to the position of a particular note on a scale relative to the tonic, the first and main note of the scale from which each octave is assumed to begin. For more information check out my detailed guide to scale degree names here. Second Scale Degree: Supertonic. The order of sharps in key signatures is F, C, G, D, A, E, and B, while the order of flats is the opposite: B, E, A, D, G, C, F. In sharp key signatures, the last sharp is a half-step below the tonic (the first note of a scale). Test. Therefore Example 2 is a B♭ (B-flat) major scale. The Latin prefix “sub” means below; therefore, the mediant is a generic third above the tonic, while the submediant is a generic third below the tonic. Compound), Details about Refrains, Episodes, and Auxiliary Sections in Rondo Form, Authentic cadences (they sound conclusive! It's that special place of the scale where everything begins from and ending up to. 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