6.21 The primary degrees in C sharp minor

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

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

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

Examples

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

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

Examples

4. The dominant seventh chord (V7)

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

Examples

5. Practise

Harmony exercise 6p: practise recognizing the primary degrees in C sharp minor.

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.

The primary degrees in C sharp minor

• The first degree (I) is comprised of the notes: C# E G#
• The fourth degree (IV) is comprised of the notes: F# A C# (natural and harmonic) or F# A# C# (melodic)
• The fifth degree (V) is comprised of the notes: G# B D# (natural) or G# B# D# (harmonic and melodic)
• The dominant seventh chord (V7) is comprised of the notes: G# B# D# F#

Harmony exercise 6p: practise recognizing the primary degrees in C sharp minor.