Number the notes around a home

A degree is a relationship, not a permanent name

In C major, C is 1 and G is 5. In G major, G becomes 1 and C becomes 4. The same pitch class takes a different place because the reference changed.

Count the tonic as 1. The next distinct scale note is 2, through 7; the octave is another 1, often shown as 8 when describing a climb.

One ending pauses; the other settles

Both phrases sit over the same low C and share their first six notes. Compare the final B just below C with a final C. This accompaniment gives the comparison its meaning.

Give these C-major notes their numbers

Tap something on the left, then tap what it pairs with.

Read relationships on the neck

The labels show degrees in G major. Click several 1s: their locations differ, but they all share the tonic pitch class.

Find 3 and 5 around a nearby 1. These three degrees will become the first chord recipe in a later section.

C is which degree of G major?

Takeaways

• Degrees move with the reference key.
• Hear a note's role in the accompaniment being used.