6.21 The primary degrees in C sharp minor

 

Category: Harmony | Tags: Primary degrees

Theory

In this chapter, I’ll teach you which tones in the C sharp 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# E G#.

 

Examples

note example

piano example


2. The fourth degree (IV)

 

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

 

Examples

note example

piano example


The fourth degree (IV) in the melodic C sharp 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 sharp minor scale is comprised of the notes: G# B D#.

 

Examples

note example

piano example


The fifth degree (V) in the harmonic and melodic C sharp 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 6p: practise recognizing the primary degrees in C sharp minor.

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6. Table of degrees for C sharp minor

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

Natural C sharp minor

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

Harmonic C sharp minor

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

Melodic C sharp minor

I C# C# E G#
II D# D# F# A#
III E E G# B#
IV F# F# A# C#
V G# G# B# D#
V7 G# G# B# D# F#
VI A# A# C# E
VII B# B# D# F#