What is a scale degree?

A scale degree is a numbered position within a scale, counted from the root (1) up to the octave. Each degree has a standard name: tonic, supertonic, mediant, subdominant, dominant, submediant, and leading tone (or subtonic).

What do the solfege syllables mean?

Solfege maps each degree to a syllable: Do (1), Re (2), Mi (3), Fa (4), Sol (5), La (6), Ti (7). These syllables are used in ear training to internalize the sound of each scale step.

Why does the blues scale have 6 notes instead of 7?

The blues scale is a hexatonic (6-note) scale built from the minor pentatonic with an added flat fifth (the "blue note"). It does not fill all seven diatonic positions.

What is the difference between natural minor and harmonic minor?

Natural minor uses a flat seventh (minor seventh interval). Harmonic minor raises the seventh by a half step, creating a leading tone that pulls strongly back to the root — at the cost of an augmented second between degrees 6 and 7.

Why do some notes show as C#/Db?

Enharmonic equivalents (same pitch, different name) are shown together so you can pick the spelling that fits your key. For example, in a sharp key use C#; in a flat key use Db.

Scale Degree Finder

Pick a root note and scale type to see every scale degree with its note name, interval, and solfege syllable.

Root Note

Scale Type

C Major Scale Degrees

Degree	Degree Name	Note	Interval	Solfege

Scale Formula

W = whole step (2 semitones), H = half step (1 semitone), A2 = augmented second (3 semitones)

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Summary

This tool maps any root note and scale type to its seven (or fewer) scale degrees, showing the note name, interval name, and solfege syllable for each step. Supports all 12 chromatic roots and 12 common scale types including modes, pentatonic, and blues.

How it works

Select a root note from the chromatic scale (C through B, with sharps and flats).
Choose a scale type — major, natural minor, harmonic minor, melodic minor, the seven modes, pentatonic major/minor, or blues.
The tool computes each scale step using the standard semitone intervals for that scale.
Results appear in a table showing degree number, note name, interval name, and solfege syllable.

Use cases

Identify which notes belong to a given scale before writing a melody.
Learn solfege syllables for ear training exercises.
Quickly check interval names when studying music theory.
Transpose a scale to a new root and see the resulting note names.
Compare how modes share the same notes but start on different degrees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-11 · Reviewed by Nham Vu