Degree (music) explained

In music theory, the scale degree is the position of a particular note on a scale[1] relative to the tonic—the first and main note of the scale from which each octave is assumed to begin. Degrees are useful for indicating the size of intervals and chords and whether an interval is major or minor.

In the most general sense, the scale degree is the number given to each step of the scale, usually starting with 1 for tonic. Defining it like this implies that a tonic is specified. For instance, the 7-tone diatonic scale may become the major scale once the proper degree has been chosen as tonic (e.g. the C-major scale C–D–E–F–G–A–B, in which C is the tonic). If the scale has no tonic, the starting degree must be chosen arbitrarily. In set theory, for instance, the 12 degrees of the chromatic scale are usually numbered starting from C=0, the twelve pitch classes being numbered from 0 to 11.

In a more specific sense, scale degrees are given names that indicate their particular function within the scale (see table below). This implies a functional scale, as is the case in tonal music.

This example gives the names of the functions of the scale degrees in the seven note diatonic scale. The names are the same for the major and minor scales, only the seventh degree changes name when flattened:[2]

The term scale step is sometimes used synonymously with scale degree, but it may alternatively refer to the distance between two successive and adjacent scale degrees (see steps and skips). The terms "whole step" and "half step" are commonly used as interval names (though "whole scale step" or "half scale step" are not used). The number of scale degrees and the distance between them together define the scale they are in.

In Schenkerian analysis, "scale degree" (or "scale step") translates Schenker's German Stufe, denoting "a chord having gained structural significance" (see Schenkerian analysis#Harmony).

Major and minor scales

The degrees of the traditional major and minor scales may be identified several ways:

Scale degree names

DegreeNameCorresponding mode (major key)Corresponding mode (minor key)MeaningNote (in C major)Note (in C minor)Semitones
align=center 1align=center Tonicalign=center Ionianalign=center AeolianTonal center, note of final resolutionalign=center Calign=center C0
align=center 2align=center Supertonicalign=center Dorianalign=center LocrianOne whole step above the tonicalign=center Dalign=center D2
align=center 3align=center Mediantalign=center Phrygianalign=center IonianMidway between tonic and dominant, (in minor key) tonic of relative major keyalign=center Ealign=center E3-4
align=center 4align=center Subdominantalign=center Lydianalign=center DorianLower dominant, happens to have the same interval below tonic as dominant is above tonicalign=center Falign=center F5
align=center 5align=center Dominantalign=center Mixolydianalign=center PhrygianSecond in importance to the tonicalign=center Galign=center G7
align=center 6align=center Submediantalign=center Aeolianalign=center LydianLower mediant, midway between tonic and subdominant, (in major key) tonic of relative minor keyalign=center Aalign=center A8-9
7align=center Subtonic (in the natural minor scale)align=center MixolydianOne whole step below tonic in natural minor scale.align=center B10
Leading tone (in the major scale)LocrianOne half step below tonic. Melodically strong affinity for and leads to tonicB11
align=center 1align=center Tonic (octave)align=center Ionianalign=center AeolianTonal center, note of final resolutionalign=center Calign=center C12

See also

Notes and References

  1. Kolb, Tom (2005). Music Theory, p. 16. .
  2. Benward & Saker (2003). Music: In Theory and Practice, vol. I, p p.32–33. Seventh Edition. . "Scale degree names: Each degree of the seven-tone diatonic scale has a name that relates to its function. The major scale and all three forms of the minor scale share these terms."

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