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  3. Ch.6.15 The primary degrees in E major

6.15 The primary degrees in E major

 

Category: Harmony | Tags: Primary degrees

Theory

In this chapter, I’ll teach you which tones in the E major 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: E G# B.

 

Examples

note example

piano example

2. The fourth degree (IV)

 

The fourth degree (IV) is comprised of the notes: A C# E.

 

Examples

note example

piano example

3. The fifth degree (V)

 

The fifth degree (V) is comprised of the notes: B D# F#.

 

Examples

note example

piano example

4. The dominant seventh chord (V7)

 

The dominant seventh chord (V7) is comprised of the notes: B D# F# A.

 

Examples

note example

piano example

5. Practise

Harmony exercise 6m: practise recognizing the primary degrees in E major.

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6. Table of degrees for E major

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

Degrees in E major
Degree Root triad
I E E G# B
II F# F# A C#
III G# G# B D#
IV A A C# E
V B B D# F#
V7 B B D# F# A
VI C# C# E G#
VII D# D# F# A