Degrees and the key of a melody

Degrees, recapped

Each note of a scale is a degree, numbered from the key note as the 1st. In a harmonic minor scale, remember that the 7th is raised.

Worked example: find a degree

Which note is the 6th degree of E flat major?

1. E flat major: E flat, F, G, A flat, B flat, C.
2. Counting E flat as the 1st, the 6th is C.

Major or minor?

A melody with no sharps or flats could be in C major or A minor. Look for clues:

• a G sharp (the raised 7th of A minor) points to A minor;
• the last note is usually the key note.