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

29352 Views

See similar Music GCSE tutors

Related Music GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are the differences between the four types of cadence?


What is a cadence?


What is an ostinato?


List three traits of minimalist music


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning