In a major or minor scale, which scale degree is called the tonic? (1 point) Responses first first fifth fifth sixth sixth seventh
The tonic scale degree is the first scale degree.
In a major or minor scale, the scale degree that is called the tonic is the first degree. To determine the tonic, you need to know the key signature of the scale.
To find the tonic in a major scale, start with the first note of the scale and count each note up to the tonic, using the following pattern: whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step. The note you arrive at after following this pattern will be the tonic.
For example, in the key of C major, the first note is C. Following the pattern, we count up by a whole step to D, then another whole step to E, a half step to F, a whole step to G, another whole step to A, a whole step to B, and finally a half step to C. Therefore, C is the tonic in the key of C major.
In a natural minor scale, the pattern is slightly different. The pattern to find the tonic in a natural minor scale is: whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step. By applying this pattern starting from the first note of the scale, you can identify the tonic.
For instance, in the key of A minor, the first note is A. Following the pattern, we count up by a whole step to B, a half step to C, a whole step to D, another whole step to E, a half step to F, a whole step to G, and finally a whole step to A. Therefore, A is the tonic in the key of A minor.
So, in both major and minor scales, the first scale degree is called the tonic.