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?
- E flat major: E flat, F, G, A flat, B flat, C.
- 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.
This question is in Brainlag Plus