Scale degrees

In the C major scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C) the tonic is C, subtonic is D, mediant is E, subdominant is F, dominant is G, submediant is A, leading tone is B, and the tonic is C.

In the C minor scale (C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C) the tonic is C, subtonic is D, mediant is Eb, subdominant is F, dominant is G, submediant is Ab, subtonic is Bb, and the tonic is C.

Tonic

The tonic is the eighth degree of a scale. It is shown as VIII. The first degree of a scale is also called the tonic.

Subtonic or leading tone

The subtonic or leading tone is the seventh degree of a scale. It is shown as VII. The natural minor scales have a subtonic for the 7th note rather than a leading tone. The other scales have a leading tone.

Submediant

The submediant is the sixth degree of a scale. It is shown as VI.

Dominant

The dominant is the fifth degree of a scale. It is shown as V.

Subdominant

The subdominant is the fourth degree of a scale. It is shown as IV.

Mediant

The mediant is the third degree of a scale. It is shown as III.

Supertonic

The supertonic is the second degree of a scale. It is shown as II.

Tonic

The tonic is the first degree of a scale. It is shown as I. The eighth degree of a scale is also called the tonic.