AP Music Theory Flashcards: Major Scales and Scale Degrees
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What fundamental principle governs the relationship between pitches in a major scale?
The pitches of a scale all function relative to a central pitch, which is known as the tonic.
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What fundamental principle governs the relationship between pitches in a major scale?
The pitches of a scale all function relative to a central pitch, which is known as the tonic.
What is a scale?
A scale is a series of pitches arranged in specific patterns of half and whole steps in ascending or descending order.
In what two contexts must you be able to identify major scales and scale degrees?
You must be able to identify them in both performed music (aurally) and notated music (visually).
List the scale degree names for scale degrees 1, 2, and 3.
The names are tonic (1), supertonic (2), and mediant (3).
How are pitches within a scale referred to based on their function?
Pitches are referred to using scale degree names (e.g., tonic, dominant) or scale degree numbers (e.g., 1, 5).
List the scale degree names for scale degrees 5, 6, and 7.
The names are dominant (5), submediant (6), and leading tone (7).
What is the scale degree name for the fifth pitch of a major scale?
The fifth scale degree is called the dominant.
If a conductor asks the violins to play the 'submediant' of G major, what pitch are they referring to?
The submediant is the sixth scale degree, which would be the pitch E in a G major scale.
What is the tonic?
The tonic is the central pitch of a scale, to which all other pitches in the scale have a functional relationship.
What is the scale degree name for the fourth pitch of a major scale?
The fourth scale degree is called the subdominant.