What are the technical names for the different degrees of the musical scale?

-The first note, C, is called the tonic.

-The second note of the scale, D, is called the supertonic.

-The third note of the scale, E, is called the mediant.

-The fourth note of the scale, F, is called the subdominant.

-The fifth note of the scale, G, is called the dominant.

-The sixth note of the scale, A, is called the submediant.

-The seventh note of the scale, B, is called the leading note.   

These technical terms remain the same for every scale and key, be it major or minor.  They are normally used to help with analysis, determining the various roles of the individual degrees of the scale.

Answered by Samantha L. Music tutor

22960 Views

See similar Music GCSE tutors

Related Music GCSE answers

All answers ▸

The listening exam


How am I able to recognise what kind of genre an excerpt of sacred vocal music may be from


How do I get better at musical dictation?


State 4 different terms for describing musical texture and define them:


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences