According to music theory, there are seven notes that constitute a scale, although some consider there to be eight notes as a result of the solfege method. The eighth degree ultimately means that you start the count from the beginning. A scale is a set of musical notes that create a melody. Therefore these notes are identified as the degrees of a scale. They serve as a way to structure a tune by providing a foundation for the scale to follow.
First Degree: Tonic
The introductory note on the staff is considered the first degree in the scale. This degree is called the tonic. The tonic, also known as the keynote, is an important note as it tells us the composition's key. For example, if the tonic is a C note, that conveys to the reader or listener that the song is on a C scale.
Second Degree: Supertonic
Following the tonic, the second degree in the scale is called a supertonic. This degree comes from the Latin word super, which means above. The significance of the supertonic means that this note is above the first note.
Third Degree: Mediant
Next is the third degree, which is called the mediant. The name of this degree comes from the Latin word mediate, which means to be in the middle. The mediant note is not the middle note in the
scale but the midpoint between the first and fifth degrees.
Fourth Degree: Subdominant
After the mediant, the fourth degree in the scale is called the subdominant. The Latin word sub means to be below. Likewise, the subdominant note is conveniently below the fifth degree, which is called the dominant note, but that is not why the fourth degree is called the subdominant. It gets its name for being positioned four units below the eighth degree, also called the tonic. The subdominant's origin becomes more apparent when studying the fifth degree closer.
Fifth Degree: Dominant
The fifth degree is known as the dominant. The name of the degree originates from the Latin word dominari, which means to rule. This degree is located four units above the tonic and uniquely affects the composition. Dominant keys tend to want to resolve back to the tonic. Both fourth and fifth degrees behave similarly, resolving back to the tonic because of the distance between the tonic and dominant keys. Moreover, the resolution effect of the dominant key is used for many purposes, including reinforcing the original key, providing a pleasing end to a musical phrase, or introducing a new key.
Sixth Degree: Submediant
Additionally, the sixth degree is known as the submediant. The sixth degree is called the submediant for being between the tonic and subdominant key.
Seventh Degree: The Leading Note
Lastly, the seventh degree is called the leading note. The leading note is also known as the leading tone. According to contemporary music theory, the note leads back into the tonic, also known as the eighth degree.
Furthermore, the degrees of a scale is a principal piece of music theory as they help guide the composer in creating triads, chords, and melodies that activate listeners.
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