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  3. Ch.5.19 The primary degrees in C minor

5.19 The primary degrees in C minor

 

Category: Harmony | Tags: Primary degrees

Theory

In this chapter, I’ll teach you which tones in the C minor scale make up the first, fourth and fifth degree, and the dominant seventh chord. The examples demonstrate different ways of playing these chords. You’ll learn how to recognise these chords and build them yourself in the exercise.

1. The first degree (I)

 

The first degree (I) is comprised of the notes: C Eb G.

 

Examples

note example

piano example

2. The fourth degree (IV)

 

The fourth degree (IV) in the natural and harmonic C minor scale is comprised of the notes: F Ab C.

 

Examples

note example

piano example

The fourth degree (IV) in the melodic C minor scale is comprised of the notes: F A C.

 

Examples

note example

piano example

3. The fifth degree (V)

 

The fifth degree (V) in the natural C minor scale is comprised of the notes: G Bb D.

 

Examples

note example

piano example

The fifth degree (V) in the harmonic and melodic C minor scale is comprised of the notes: G B D.

 

Examples

note example

piano example

4. The dominant seventh chord (V7)

 

The dominant seventh chord (V7) is comprised of the notes: G B D F (harmonic and melodic).

 

Examples

note example

piano example

5. Practise

Harmony exercise 5l: practise recognizing the primary degrees in C minor.

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6. Table of degrees for C minor

For completeness, I’ll also give you an overview of all the degrees in the C minor scale.

Natural C minor
Degree Root triad
I C C Eb G
II D D F Ab
III Eb Eb G Bb
IV F F Ab C
V G G Bb D
VI Ab Ab C Eb
VII Bb Bb D F

Harmonic C minor
Degree Root triad
I C C Eb G
II D D F Ab
III Eb Eb G B
IV F F Ab C
V G G B D
V G G B D F
VI Ab Ab C Eb
VII B B D F

Melodic C minor
Degree Root triad
I C C Eb G
II D D F A
III Eb Eb G B
IV F F A C
V G G B D
V G G B D F
VI A A C Eb
VII B B D F