MUSIC: MULTIPLE CHOICE
IN A MAJOR OR MINOR SCALE, WHICH SCALE DEGREE IS CALLED THE TONIC?
a. first
b. fifth
c. sixth
d. seventh
a. first
The scale degree called the tonic in a major or minor scale is the first degree. Therefore, the correct answer is (a) first.
To find the answer, let's break down the question:
The question asks about the scale degree that is called the tonic in a major or minor scale. The tonic is the first note of the scale and serves as the reference point for the entire scale.
Now, let's examine the multiple-choice options:
a. first: This option is suggesting that the tonic is the first scale degree. This is correct, as mentioned earlier. The first scale degree is called the tonic.
b. fifth: The fifth scale degree is called the dominant, not the tonic. It has a different function in the scale.
c. sixth: The sixth scale degree is called the submediant, not the tonic. It also has a different function within the scale.
d. seventh: The seventh scale degree is called the leading tone or subtonic, not the tonic. It has a different role in relation to the tonic.
Based on this analysis, the correct answer is "a. first" because the tonic is the first scale degree in a major or minor scale.