7th scale degree

Question

7th scale degree

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To determine the 7th scale degree, we start from the concept of a major scale and how it is spelled in a key with many sharps. In the key of G# major, the scale degrees must follow the sequence of letter names G, A, B, C, D, E, F, G while applying accidentals so that the pattern of whole and half steps (W-W-H-W-W-W-H) is preserved.

The seventh degree uses the seventh letter name, which is F. In G# major, the natural spelling F would not fit the correct diatonic structure because the key signature includes F## to maintain the required half-step relationships in the scale. Therefore, the seventh degree is written as F## (F double sharp), not F natural or F#.

Using F## keeps the scale's internal logic consistent: the leading tone to the tonic G# must be the note spelled with the correct letter name and the appropriate degree of sharpness, which in this key is F##. If one attempted to spell it differently (e.g., as G natural), the spelling would violate standard major-scale construction and disrupt the expected intervallic relationships within the key.

In summary, the seventh degree in G# major is F## because this spelling preserves the correct diatonic letter sequence and the intended leading-tone function within the key, aligning with conventional music theory notation. Note that in other keys, the 7th degree would be spelled differently (e.g., in G major, the seventh degree is F#), illustrating that the exact notation of the 7th degree depends on the specific key signature and scale construction.

7th scale degree

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