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.

SL
Answered by Samantha L. Music tutor

27125 Views

See similar Music GCSE tutors

Related Music GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How can I tell the difference between music from the Baroque and Classical eras? (GCSE)


Explain what a 'hemiola' is


How can you distinguish between the different cadences?


What are the key musical and historical features that distinguish 'the blues' from other musical genre?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning