What is the scale-degree number for the leading tone?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The leading tone is the seventh scale degree, so its scale-degree number is ^7.

Relevant concepts: In diatonic scale theory each pitch of a scale is given a scale-degree number (1–7) with ^1 as the tonic (the “home” note). The term leading tone refers specifically to the scale degree that lies a half step below the tonic and has a strong tendency to resolve upward to the tonic. This function is characteristic in major keys and in the harmonic minor form.

Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Label the scale degrees in order ascending from the tonic: ^1 (tonic), ^2 (supertonic), ^3 (mediant), ^4 (subdominant), ^5 (dominant), ^6 (submediant), ^7 (seventh).
2. The leading tone is defined as the degree immediately below the tonic by a semitone. That is the seventh degree in the scale.
3. Therefore the leading tone corresponds to scale-degree number ^7.

Why the correct answer is correct: Because the leading tone’s defining property—being a half step below the tonic and strongly resolving upward—matches the seventh degree. In both major keys and the harmonic minor scale the seventh degree is altered (if necessary) to be a semitone below the tonic so it functions as the leading tone.

Why the other choices are incorrect:
- ^5 is the dominant, a fifth above the tonic; it does not sit directly below the tonic and is not called the leading tone.
- ^8 represents the octave (a repeated tonic), not a distinct scale degree name in the 1–7 system; it’s essentially another ^1.
- ^6 is the submediant, a third below the tonic; it is not directly adjacent to the tonic and does not function as the leading tone.

Conclusion: The scale-degree number for the leading tone is ^7, matching the provided answer.

What is the scale-degree number for the leading tone? 单项选择题

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