Scale Degree Names

Scale degrees are not only referred to by number, but also by name. You may already have heard some others besides the two we have previously mentioned. Here are the names by which the scale degrees are often known:

In the key of C major, we would have these names applying to the chords as in the following table:

In the key of A minor, using the natural minor scale the names would apply as in the following table:

In the key of A minor, using the harmonic minor scale the names would apply as in the following table:

These names apply equally to the notes or the chords, so that the subdominant in the key of F major is B♭ and the subdominant chord in the same key is B♭ major.

Understanding Scales | Understanding Chord Structure | Understanding Diatonic Chords | Understanding Minor Scales | Diatonic Chords in Minor Keys | Scale Degree Names | Chord Substitution - Extended Chords | Chord Substitution - Overlapping Chords | Improvisation - Arpeggios | Improvisation - Major Scales | Improvisation - Pentatonic Scales | Improvisation - Blues Scales