Section 1 – Fundamentals: A.2.a. Scale Degrees

Each note in a scale can be represented by a scale degree number. These appear as the Arabic numerals 1 through 7 with carets (^) on top. They are read as "scale degree 1," "scale degree 2," etc.

Below is a C major scale with the corresponding scale degree numbers. Note that the octave is labeled as "scale degree 1" rather than "scale degree 8."

In minor keys, the scale degree numbers are labeled the same way. You can use an up arrow to differentiate between the different forms of scale degrees 6 and 7 in the harmonic and melodic minor scales.

Each scale degree is associated with a scale degree name, as shown on the table below.