Discovering Scale Steps: A Guide to Measuring Scale Intervals
In the world of music, understanding scales, chords, and intervals is essential. These concepts form the backbone of music theory, and one foundational aspect that ties them together is scale degrees.
Scale degrees refer to the positions of notes within a scale relative to the tonic (the first note of the scale). Each note in a scale is assigned a number that represents its order in the sequence, such as 1st (tonic), 2nd (supertonic), 3rd (mediant), and so on. These degree names give functional roles to notes within the scale, helping describe their melodic and harmonic function. For instance, the dominant is the fifth scale degree, which often leads back to the tonic.
On the other hand, intervals are the distances or pitch differences measured between two notes in terms of steps within the scale or on a chromatic scale. Intervals describe how far apart two notes are and are named by the number of scale steps and their quality, such as major second, minor third, perfect fifth, or octave.
Knowing the fifth of a scale can make building chords and harmonic progressions easier. In typical seven note scales like the major and minor scales, the scale degrees are numbered from 1 to 7, starting on the tonic and ending on the leading tone. The circle of fifths can help in identifying scale degree 5 in each key, from which other scale degrees can be identified.
To learn scale degrees quickly, it's beneficial to practice in all twelve keys and link theory knowledge with instrument practice. By focusing on chord tones while playing, particularly scale degrees 1-3-5-7 of each chord, learning scale degrees can be facilitated. Chord extensions can be added to a chord without changing its overall quality, and they are associated with scale degrees 9, 11, and 13. Practicing scale degrees in uncommon keys can help build comfort in those keys.
In summary:
| Concept | Definition | Example | |-----------------|------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Scale Degree | Position of a note within a scale relative to tonic (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd) | The 3rd degree in a major scale is the mediant, which defines major or minor quality. | | Interval | The pitch distance between two notes, named by number and quality (e.g., major third, perfect fifth) | Interval from D to F in D Dorian is a minor third. |
The scale degrees repeat at the octave, and this understanding helps situate notes within a chord or melody. The article provides a great start for understanding scale degrees, but this is just one step in a larger journey. The lesson is step 7 out of a 7-step Lesson Plan available on the website.
The article was contributed by various members of the website's team of music mentors, and it's our hope that it serves as a helpful resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of music theory. Focusing on linking theory knowledge with instrument practice can help scale degrees come naturally.
Learning about scale degrees in the context of music theory is crucial as they define the positions of notes within a scale. Each note is assigned a number representing its order in the sequence, such as 1st (tonic), 2nd (supertonic), 3rd (mediant), and so forth.
Understanding scale degrees can facilitate the construction of chords and harmonic progressions, with the fifth scale degree being particularly significant in this process. In addition to practice in all twelve keys, linking theory knowledge with instrument practice is recommended for swiftly mastering scale degrees.
