4.5 Scale degree names and functions
6 min read•august 20, 2024
Scale degrees are the building blocks of music theory, providing a framework for understanding melody and harmony. Each note in a scale has a specific name and function, from the stable to the tension-creating . These roles shape how music moves and resolves.
Understanding scale degrees is crucial for composing, analyzing, and performing music. They influence melodic tendencies, harmonic progressions, and overall tonal structure. By mastering scale degrees, musicians can better grasp the inner workings of musical compositions across various styles and genres.
Scale degree names
- Scale degrees are the notes of a scale, numbered from 1 to 7, with each number representing a specific note's position and function within the scale
- The names of the scale degrees provide a way to refer to specific notes within a scale, regardless of the key or specific pitches being used
Tonic
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- The first scale degree, also known as the keynote or root of the scale
- Serves as the tonal center and provides a sense of and stability
- In the key of C major, the tonic is the note C
Supertonic
- The second scale degree, located one whole step above the tonic
- Often functions as a predominant chord, leading toward the dominant
- In the key of C major, the is the note D
Mediant
- The third scale degree, located midway between the tonic and the dominant
- Plays a role in both tonic and , depending on the harmonic context
- In the key of C major, the is the note E
Subdominant
- The fourth scale degree, located a perfect fourth above the tonic
- Serves a , often leading toward the dominant
- In the key of C major, the is the note F
Dominant
- The fifth scale degree, located a perfect fifth above the tonic
- Plays a crucial role in establishing tonality and creating tension that resolves to the tonic
- In the key of C major, the dominant is the note G
Submediant
- The sixth scale degree, located midway between the subdominant and the tonic
- Often serves a , acting as a substitute for the tonic chord
- In the key of C major, the is the note A
Leading tone vs subtonic
- The seventh scale degree, located a half step below the tonic
- In major scales and harmonic minor scales, the seventh degree is called the , which has a strong tendency to resolve upward to the tonic
- In natural minor scales, the seventh degree is called the , which is a whole step below the tonic and lacks the strong upward pull of the leading tone
- In the key of C major, the leading tone is the note B, while in C natural minor, the subtonic is the note B♭
Functions of scale degrees
- Scale degrees can be grouped into three main functional categories: tonic, predominant, and dominant
- These functions describe the role each scale degree plays in creating and resolving musical tension within a piece
Tonic function
- Scale degrees 1, 3, and 6 (tonic, mediant, and submediant) are associated with tonic function
- Tonic function provides a sense of stability, rest, and resolution
- Chords built on these scale degrees (I, iii, and vi) often serve as tonic substitutes or extensions
Predominant function
- Scale degrees 2 and 4 (supertonic and subdominant) are associated with predominant function
- Predominant function creates tension and instability, often leading toward the dominant
- Chords built on these scale degrees (ii and IV) frequently precede the dominant chord in harmonic progressions
Dominant function
- Scale degrees 5 and 7 (dominant and leading tone/subtonic) are associated with dominant function
- Dominant function creates the strongest sense of tension and the desire for resolution back to the tonic
- The dominant chord (V) and the diminished chord built on the leading tone (vii°) are the primary chords with dominant function
Scale degree tendencies
- Each scale degree has its own unique tendencies or inclinations to move toward other scale degrees
- Understanding these tendencies helps in creating melodies, harmonies, and voice leading that sound natural and coherent
Tendency tones
- are scale degrees with a strong inclination to resolve in a specific direction
- The leading tone (scale degree 7 in major and harmonic minor scales) has a strong tendency to resolve upward to the tonic
- The subdominant (scale degree 4) has a tendency to resolve downward to the mediant
- The supertonic (scale degree 2) has a tendency to resolve upward to the mediant
Resolution of tendency tones
- In traditional harmony, tendency tones are often resolved according to their inclinations
- The leading tone typically resolves upward by a half step to the tonic
- The subdominant typically resolves downward by a whole step to the mediant
- The supertonic can resolve upward by a whole step to the mediant or downward by a half step to the tonic, depending on the harmonic context
Scale degree in major vs minor
- While major and minor scales share the same scale degree names and functions, there are some differences in the intervals between certain scale degrees
Raised 7th degree in minor
- In harmonic minor scales, the 7th scale degree is raised by a half step, creating a leading tone that resolves strongly to the tonic
- This raised 7th degree is used to create a dominant chord (V) with a major third, which strengthens the dominant-tonic resolution
Lowered 6th and 7th degrees in natural minor
- In natural minor scales, the 6th and 7th scale degrees are lowered by a half step compared to the
- The lowered 6th degree (submediant) and 7th degree (subtonic) create a darker, more somber sound associated with minor tonality
- The lowered 7th degree in natural minor does not have the same strong upward pull as the leading tone in major or harmonic minor scales
Scale degree in melody
- Understanding scale degrees is essential for creating and analyzing melodies
Melodic tendencies of scale degrees
- Melodies often follow the tendencies of scale degrees, with tendency tones resolving according to their inclinations
- The tonic is a common starting and ending point for melodies, providing a sense of stability
- The leading tone often resolves upward to the tonic, creating a sense of finality or resolution
- The dominant and subdominant scale degrees are frequently used to create tension and movement in melodies
Recognizing scale degrees by ear
- Developing the ability to recognize scale degrees by ear is a crucial skill for musicians
- Relative pitch exercises, such as solfège or scale degree numbers, can help train the ear to identify the unique sounds and functions of each scale degree
- Regularly practicing melodic dictation and sight-singing exercises can improve the ability to recognize and reproduce scale degrees in melodies
Scale degree in harmony
- Scale degrees form the basis for building chords and understanding harmonic progressions
Primary triads
- The are chords built on the tonic, subdominant, and dominant scale degrees (I, IV, and V)
- These chords are the most important and frequently used in tonal harmony
- Primary triads establish the key center and create the fundamental harmonic structure of a piece
Secondary triads
- are chords built on the remaining scale degrees (ii, iii, vi, and vii°)
- These chords provide harmonic variety and can serve as substitutes or extensions of the primary triads
- Secondary triads are often used to create smooth voice leading and add interest to harmonic progressions
Functional harmony using scale degrees
- is based on the relationships between chords built on different scale degrees
- Chords are categorized into tonic, predominant, and dominant functions based on their scale degree and role in creating and resolving tension
- Common functional harmonic progressions include I-IV-V-I (tonic-predominant-dominant-tonic) and I-vi-ii-V-I (tonic-tonic substitute-predominant-dominant-tonic)
- Understanding scale degrees and their functions is essential for analyzing and composing music using functional harmony
Key Terms to Review (27)
Arpeggio: An arpeggio is a musical technique where the notes of a chord are played in succession rather than simultaneously. This technique allows for a more melodic interpretation of harmony, creating a flowing and intricate sound. In the context of scale degrees, arpeggios can be used to emphasize specific degrees of a scale and highlight their functional roles within harmonic progressions.
Cadence: A cadence is a melodic or harmonic configuration that creates a sense of resolution at the end of a musical phrase. It serves as a musical punctuation mark, signaling the closure of a thought or section, and is crucial for establishing tonal center and movement in music.
Chord Progression: A chord progression is a series of chords played in a sequence that creates the harmonic foundation for a piece of music. These progressions define the movement and emotional tone of a piece, and understanding them involves knowing how scales, intervals, and harmonization work together to shape the overall sound.
Dominant: In music, the term dominant refers to the fifth scale degree of a diatonic scale, and it plays a crucial role in establishing harmonic tension and resolution within musical compositions. The dominant chord is built on this fifth degree, creating a strong pull back to the tonic, which is the first degree of the scale. This relationship is essential in understanding chord progressions, harmonic dictation, and overall tonal structure.
Dominant function: The dominant function refers to the role played by the fifth scale degree in a tonal context, primarily serving as a point of tension that resolves to the tonic. This function is crucial for establishing harmonic direction and creating a sense of resolution in music. It often involves the use of dominant chords that lead back to the home chord, generating a feeling of completeness and closure in a musical phrase.
Functional Harmony: Functional harmony refers to the system of chords and their relationships that create a sense of movement and resolution within a piece of music. This concept emphasizes how different chords serve specific roles in relation to the tonic, dominant, and subdominant, guiding the listener through a musical narrative. It is essential in understanding chord progressions, the use of triads and seventh chords, and how these elements work together in harmonic dictation and accompaniment.
Harmonic minor scale: The harmonic minor scale is a seven-note scale that is derived from the natural minor scale by raising the seventh degree, creating a distinctive sound often associated with classical and Middle Eastern music. This raised seventh degree provides a leading tone that creates a stronger resolution to the tonic, enhancing the harmonic function of the scale. The unique pattern of whole and half steps gives the harmonic minor scale its characteristic sound and ties it closely to concepts of melody and harmony.
Heinrich Schenker: Heinrich Schenker was an influential music theorist and musicologist known for his analytical approach to understanding tonal music, particularly in the works of composers like Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. His theories emphasized the hierarchical structure of music and the importance of scale degrees, which help define the roles of different notes within a given key.
Hugo Riemann: Hugo Riemann was a prominent German musicologist and theorist known for his influential work in music theory and analysis, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He made significant contributions to understanding harmony, musical form, and the relationships between intervals and scales, which are crucial for recognizing musical structures and identifying scale degrees.
Interval: An interval is the distance between two pitches, measured in terms of the number of half steps or whole steps that separate them. This concept is fundamental in music, as it helps define melodies, harmonies, and chords, connecting with notation and scales to create musical structures. Intervals can also be classified into different types, such as major, minor, perfect, augmented, or diminished, which further shapes the sound and emotion of a piece of music.
Leading tone: The leading tone is the seventh scale degree in a major or harmonic minor scale, which has a strong tendency to resolve up to the tonic note, creating a sense of tension and release. This concept is essential for understanding how melodies and harmonies are constructed, as it plays a crucial role in establishing key relationships and emotional impact in music.
Major Scale: A major scale is a diatonic scale that consists of seven distinct notes and follows a specific pattern of whole and half steps, producing a bright and happy sound. The major scale serves as the foundation for many musical concepts, including key signatures, harmony, and melody, influencing sight-singing techniques, the understanding of scale degrees, and improvisation.
Mediant: The mediant is the third scale degree in a diatonic scale, positioned between the tonic and dominant degrees. It plays a crucial role in establishing the harmonic context and contributes to the emotional quality of music. The mediant is significant because it helps to create various harmonic functions and serves as a key connection between the tonic and other scale degrees.
Melodic Contour: Melodic contour refers to the shape or outline of a melody as it moves up and down in pitch over time. This term emphasizes the direction and motion of the melody, highlighting how its notes create a recognizable pattern or line, which is crucial for understanding various musical structures and styles.
Minor scale: A minor scale is a seven-note musical scale that creates a darker, more somber sound compared to its major counterpart, characterized by specific intervals that define its unique emotional quality. The natural minor scale follows the pattern of whole and half steps: whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole. This scale's structure influences key signatures, provides the basis for sight-singing, establishes scale degree names and functions, and is essential for practicing scales and arpeggios.
Predominant function: The predominant function refers to a harmonic role that prepares for the dominant function, typically creating a sense of tension that leads to resolution in music. It often includes chords built on the subdominant scale degree, like the IV and ii chords, which serve to transition smoothly toward the dominant chord, establishing a sense of movement and direction in harmonic progressions.
Primary Triads: Primary triads are the three most important chords built on the first, fourth, and fifth degrees of a scale, commonly referred to as the tonic, subdominant, and dominant. These triads play a crucial role in establishing the tonality of a piece of music, providing the harmonic foundation and structure that supports melodies. Understanding primary triads helps in recognizing their functions within various musical contexts and how they contribute to chord progressions.
Resolution: Resolution refers to the process by which a musical tension is released, often leading to a sense of closure or stability in a progression. It typically involves moving from a dissonant chord or note to a consonant one, and this transition plays a crucial role in establishing the overall emotional narrative of a piece. Understanding resolution helps musicians recognize how melodies and harmonies interact to create musical coherence.
Scale degree number: A scale degree number is a specific position within a musical scale that indicates the relative distance of a note from the tonic, or the first note of the scale. Each scale degree is assigned a unique number, allowing musicians to communicate about melodies and harmonies more effectively. Understanding scale degree numbers is crucial for identifying functions of notes within a key and helps in the analysis of musical structures.
Secondary Triads: Secondary triads are triads built on the scale degrees of a major or minor scale, excluding the tonic, which is the first degree. These triads play a vital role in harmony by providing tension and leading to the resolution of primary triads, adding richness and color to the overall sound of music. They are identified as ii, iii, vi, and vii° in a major scale and ii, iii, and vii° in a minor scale, each serving specific functions in musical progression.
Subdominant: The subdominant is the fourth scale degree in a diatonic scale and serves as an important harmonic function, typically providing a sense of movement away from the tonic while creating tension that leads back to it. This term is crucial in understanding chord relationships and progressions, as the subdominant chord plays a significant role in shaping the musical landscape by preparing for the dominant and returning to the tonic.
Submediant: The submediant is the sixth scale degree in a diatonic scale, which is positioned three whole tones above the tonic and is often associated with the mediant's role in harmony. This degree plays a significant role in creating tension and resolution within chord progressions, contributing to the overall emotional texture of a piece. It also functions in various harmonic contexts, serving as a pivot point in modulations and offering rich possibilities for chord extensions and variations.
Subtonic: The subtonic is the seventh scale degree in a diatonic scale, positioned one whole step below the tonic, which is the first scale degree. It plays a crucial role in establishing the tonality and function of chords within a key, often leading into the tonic chord for resolution. Understanding the subtonic helps in recognizing its unique position and importance within various musical contexts.
Supertonic: The supertonic is the second scale degree in a diatonic scale, positioned one whole step above the tonic. It serves as an important harmonic and melodic element within music, providing tension that often resolves back to the tonic or is used to create movement toward other scale degrees, like the dominant.
Tendency Tones: Tendency tones are specific scale degrees that naturally want to resolve to other tones, creating a sense of movement in music. Typically, the leading tone (7th scale degree) and the fourth degree are the most prominent tendency tones, as they create a pull towards the tonic or root of the scale. This resolution helps establish harmonic direction and supports the overall structure of musical phrases.
Tonic: The tonic is the first note of a scale and serves as the home base or central pitch around which the other notes in the scale revolve. It establishes the tonal center, providing a sense of resolution and stability in music, and is crucial for understanding scales, harmonies, and chord progressions.
Tonic function: Tonic function refers to the role of the tonic chord in establishing a sense of resolution and stability within a musical piece. It serves as the home base, creating a feeling of rest and fulfillment, and is often the first and last chord played in a composition. The tonic chord, built on the first scale degree, creates a strong tonal center that helps define the overall harmony and structure of the music.