Scale Degrees
Each note in a scale has a name, number, and function. Understanding scale degrees is fundamental to harmony and composition.
1I
C
Tonic
Home base — the key center
Tendency: Resolution point
2II
D
Supertonic
One step above the tonic
Tendency: Tends toward V or vii°
3III
E
Mediant
Halfway between tonic and dominant
Tendency: Defines major/minor quality
4IV
F
Subdominant
The "other" important chord
Tendency: Moves to V or I
5V
G
Dominant
Creates tension that wants to resolve
Tendency: Strongest pull toward I
6VI
A
Submediant
Halfway between tonic and subdominant
Tendency: Deceptive cadence target
7VII
B
Leading Tone
Half step below tonic
Tendency: Pulls strongly upward to I