Which scale degree is the subdominant?

Prepare for the MTEL Music (16) Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which scale degree is the subdominant?

Explanation:
The subdominant is the fourth degree of a scale. In tonal music, scale degrees are named in order as tonic (first), supertonic (second), mediant (third), and subdominant (fourth). The term itself points to the chord built on that fourth degree—IV in Roman numeral analysis. For example, in C major, the subdominant is the note F (the fourth step), and the subdominant triad is built on F (F–A–C). This position is functionally important because it often moves to the dominant (IV to V) before returning to the tonic.

The subdominant is the fourth degree of a scale. In tonal music, scale degrees are named in order as tonic (first), supertonic (second), mediant (third), and subdominant (fourth). The term itself points to the chord built on that fourth degree—IV in Roman numeral analysis. For example, in C major, the subdominant is the note F (the fourth step), and the subdominant triad is built on F (F–A–C). This position is functionally important because it often moves to the dominant (IV to V) before returning to the tonic.

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