Reading time: 5 minutes |
Section 3.7 of the ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory exam tests your knowledge of scale degree names.
You’ll be given a question like this: “Circle true or false for each statement.”
The statements might look like:
- A. This is the leading tone in E minor.
- B. This is the subdominant in C sharp major.
- C. This is the supertonic in F minor.
To answer these questions, you need to know the names of each degree of the scale.
Here’s everything you need to know.
The Seven Scale Degree Names
Every note in a scale has a specific name. These names are the same in both major and minor keys.
| Degree | Name | Example in C Major |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Tonic | C |
| 2nd | Supertonic | D |
| 3rd | Mediant | E |
| 4th | Subdominant | F |
| 5th | Dominant | G |
| 6th | Submediant | A |
| 7th | Leading Note (or Leading Tone) | B |
After the 7th degree, we return to the tonic (8th degree).
Quick Reference Table
| Degree | Name | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Tonic | The “home” note of the key |
| 2nd | Supertonic | One step above the tonic |
| 3rd | Mediant | The middle note of the tonic triad |
| 4th | Subdominant | One step below the dominant |
| 5th | Dominant | The most important note after the tonic |
| 6th | Submediant | One step below the leading note |
| 7th | Leading Note | Leads back to the tonic (a semitone below) |
Important: The Leading Note in Minor Keys
In a minor key, the 7th degree is raised in the harmonic minor scale.
When we say leading note (or leading tone) in a minor key, we always mean the raised 7th.
Example: E minor
- Key signature: F♯ (1 sharp)
- Natural minor 7th: D
- Harmonic minor 7th: D♯ (raised)
So if someone says “the leading tone in E minor,” they mean D♯, not D.
Worked Example 1: Leading Tone in E Minor
The statement: “This is the leading tone in E minor.”
The note given: D
Step 1: Find the 7th degree of E minor
E minor scale:
- E – F♯ – G – A – B – C – D – E
The 7th degree is D.
Step 2: Apply the leading tone rule
In a minor key, the leading tone is the raised 7th.
D → D♯
Step 3: Compare with the given note
Given note: D
Correct note: D♯
Answer: False ❌
Worked Example 2: Subdominant in C♯ Major
The statement: “This is the subdominant in C sharp major.”
The note given: G♯
Step 1: Find the 4th degree of C♯ major
C♯ major scale:
- C♯ – D♯ – E♯ – F♯ – G♯ – A♯ – B♯ – C♯
The 4th degree (subdominant) is F♯.
Step 2: Compare with the given note
Given note: G♯
Correct note: F♯
Answer: False ❌
Worked Example 3: Supertonic in F Minor
The statement: “This is the supertonic in F minor.”
The note given: A
Step 1: Find the 2nd degree of F minor
F minor scale:
- F – G – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F
The 2nd degree (supertonic) is G.
Step 2: Check the key signature
F minor has 4 flats: B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭
The G is not flattened – it’s just G natural.
Step 3: Compare with the given note
Given note: A
Correct note: G
Answer: False ❌
Summary Table of Worked Examples
| Question | Key | Degree | Correct Note | Given Note | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E minor | Leading tone (7th raised) | D♯ | D | ❌ False |
| 2 | C♯ major | Subdominant (4th) | F♯ | G♯ | ❌ False |
| 3 | F minor | Supertonic (2nd) | G | A | ❌ False |
How to Approach These Questions
- Identify the key (e.g., E minor)
- Identify the scale degree (e.g., leading tone = 7th)
- Find the correct note using the scale
- Apply any special rules (raised 7th in minor keys)
- Compare with the given note
- Circle true or false
The Scale Degree Names
| Degree | Name |
|---|---|
| 1st | Tonic |
| 2nd | Supertonic |
| 3rd | Mediant |
| 4th | Subdominant |
| 5th | Dominant |
| 6th | Submediant |
| 7th | Leading Note / Leading Tone |
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Forgetting the raised 7th in minor keys. The leading tone is always the raised 7th in harmonic minor.
- Confusing the degree names. Memorise them in order: Tonic – Supertonic – Mediant – Subdominant – Dominant – Submediant – Leading Note.
- Not checking the key signature. Always double-check the key signature for accidentals.
Mnemonic to Remember Scale Degrees
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- Tonic
- Supertonic
- Mediant
- Subdominant
- Dominant
- Submediant
- Leading Note
Practice Makes Perfect
Understanding the theory is one thing, but exam success comes from repeated, focused practice. That’s why my interactive practice site (app.owenmusictheory.com) can make all the difference in your preparation.
Here’s how the two practice modes work:
Drill Mode: Master One Section at a Time
Drill Mode is designed for targeted practice. You get access to all the questions organised section by section, just like the real exam. This means you can:
- Focus specifically on scale degree names until it feels second nature
- Skip the sections you’re already confident in and spend your time where it matters most
- Practise the same question type repeatedly with virtually unlimited questions – you’ll never run out of fresh material
With instant feedback on every answer, you’ll learn from your mistakes immediately and reinforce correct answers right away.
Exam Mode: Simulate the Real Thing
When you’re ready to put it all together, Exam Mode gives you the full experience:
- Full-length papers in the exact format of the ABRSM exam
- Randomised questions each time you take a test – no two papers are the same
- A 2-hour time limit to help you build speed and stamina
- A final score and detailed feedback at the end, so you know exactly where you stand
This mode is invaluable for reducing exam-day anxiety. The more you practise under real conditions, the more confident you’ll feel when it counts.
Get Started
- Head to app.owenmusictheory.com
- Sign up free — no card required
- Try the free Pitch and Terms drills, or sit the free sample exam paper
- If it’s helping, upgrade for full access to every section and unlimited randomised papers
Grade 5 Theory is a one-time hurdle standing between you and your next practical grade. Practising smart — with realistic questions, instant feedback, and proper timed conditions — is the difference between walking in anxious and walking in ready.
Good luck!
