If you’re preparing for the AP Music Theory exam, understanding major scales and scale degrees is essential. These concepts are foundational in Western music and are frequently tested in multiple-choice questions, free response sections, and sight-singing exercises. Let’s break down what you need to know to succeed.
🎵 What Is a Major Scale?
A major scale is a sequence of seven notes that follow a specific pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H):
W – W – H – W – W – W – H
For example, the C major scale consists of the notes:
C – D – E – F – G – A – B – C
This scale contains no sharps or flats, making it the perfect starting point for theory students.
📌 How to Build a Major Scale
Use this formula to build any major scale from any root note:
- Start with the root note.
- Apply the W-W-H-W-W-W-H pattern.
- Make sure each scale degree has a unique letter name (no repeats).
Example: G Major Scale
- Notes: G – A – B – C – D – E – F♯ – G
- Key Signature: 1 sharp (F♯)
🧠 What Are Scale Degrees?
Each note of a scale has a specific name and function based on its position. These are called scale degrees.
| Degree | Name | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Tonic | Home base, most stable |
| 2nd | Supertonic | Prepares dominant |
| 3rd | Mediant | Between tonic and dominant |
| 4th | Subdominant | Leads to dominant |
| 5th | Dominant | Strong tension, leads to tonic |
| 6th | Submediant | Relative minor’s tonic |
| 7th | Leading Tone | Resolves to tonic (if a half step below) |
Mnemonic Tip:
Try “Tom’s Super Mom Sings Dope Songs Like That” to memorize the names.
🎯 Why This Matters for the AP Music Theory Exam
The College Board loves testing your ability to:
- Identify key signatures.
- Recognize major scales by ear.
- Label scale degrees within a melody.
- Analyze functional harmony based on scale position.
Mastering these skills gives you a strong edge, especially on multiple-choice and melodic dictation questions.
✅ Practice Tips
- Drill key signatures daily.
- Write out all 12 major scales and label the scale degrees.
- Use flashcards for scale degree names and functions.
- Practice singing scale degrees using solfege:
(Do – Re – Mi – Fa – Sol – La – Ti – Do)
How to Practice Major Scales and Scale Degrees
- Memorize the Pattern: Start by memorizing the W-W-H-W-W-W-H pattern for major scales. Practice constructing scales starting on different notes.
- Label Scale Degrees: Write out the notes of a major scale and label each note with its corresponding scale degree. For example, in C Major:
- C = Tonic (1)
- D = Supertonic (2)
- E = Mediant (3)
- F = Subdominant (4)
- G = Dominant (5)
- A = Submediant (6)
- B = Leading Tone (7)
- Play and Sing: Practice playing major scales on your instrument or singing them to internalize their sound.
- Analyze Music: Use sheet music to identify the key and analyze how composers use scale degrees to create melodies and harmonies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing Up Whole and Half Steps: Remember the W-W-H-W-W-W-H pattern to avoid constructing incorrect scales.
- Confusing Scale Degrees: Be sure to label each degree correctly to understand its function in the scale.
- Neglecting Ear Training: Learning to recognize major scales and scale degrees by ear is just as important as theoretical knowledge.
Why This Matters for AP Music Theory
In the AP Music Theory exam, you’ll encounter questions that require you to:
- Identify and construct major scales.
- Analyze melodies and harmonies based on scale degrees.
- Understand how scale degrees contribute to chord progressions and cadences.
By mastering major scales and scale degrees, you’ll be better equipped to tackle these questions and excel in the exam.
📝 Final Thoughts
Major scales and scale degrees are the bedrock of tonal music. Whether you’re composing, analyzing, or performing, knowing these elements by heart is crucial for any aspiring musician—and absolutely necessary for acing the AP Music Theory exam.
Keep practicing, listen actively, and don’t forget to quiz yourself on your scale degrees. Your AP score will thank you.
Study AP Music Theory
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