Scale Degrees: The Secret Language of Music

What You’ll Learn

• Each chord in a key has a degree (I–vii). In C: C=I, Dm=ii, Em=iii, F=IV, G=V, Am=vi, Bdim=vii°.
• Degrees are more than numbers: they carry feelings (I = home, IV = lift, V = tension/glue, etc.).
• Hearing degrees lets you recognize progressions (ii–V–I, I–vi–ii–V) in any key.
• Tagging sounds = faster memory: root + 3rd (tenths) or shell chords (1–3–7) make the colors clear.
• Adding 7ths (maj7, min7, dom7, half-diminished) deepens your ear and your harmonic vocabulary.

Action Steps (Start Internalizing Today)

1. Play & Name the Degrees (5–7 min)
   • In C: play C–Dm–Em–F–G–Am–Bdim–C.
   • Say: “I…ii…iii…IV…V…vi…vii°…I.”
   • Hum/sing the root while strumming. Ask: How does it feel?
2. Feel the Functions (5 min)
   • I = home (rest).
   • IV = lift/longing.
   • V = tension/glue back to I.
   • Cycle I–IV–V–I and listen to the emotional pull.
3. Shell Chords with 7ths (10 min)
   • Play Cmaj7 → Dm7 → Em7 → Fmaj7 → G7 → Am7 → Bm7♭5 → Cmaj7.
   • Keep it minimal (root–3rd–7th). Focus on sound, not shapes.
4. Tag a Song (5 min)
   • Take a tune in C major (any style).
   • Write the numbers under the chords (I, vi, IV, V, etc.).
   • Play it back thinking numbers first.
5. Daily Ear Drill (3–5 min)
   • Play C → G (I → V).
   • Sing the “pull” back to I before resolving.
   • Repeat with I → IV, I → vi. Notice how each move feels unique.
6. Extend Tomorrow (2–3 min)
   • Try the same process in a new key (G major, F major).
   • Notice how the feelings stay the same, even though the notes change.