In functional harmony, the tonic corresponds to which scale degree?

In functional harmony, the tonic corresponds to which scale degree?

• A. Scale Degree V
• B. Scale Degree I
• C. Scale Degree IV
• D. Scale Degree II

Answer: (B)

The tonic is the home base of the key, and that home is the first scale degree. In any key, the note that feels like “home” and the triad built on it establish the tonal center, so scale degree one is the tonic. For example, in C major, C is scale degree one and the tonic pitch; chords built on C (the I chord) reinforce that center. Other degrees create motion and tension (like the dominant on five) and want to resolve back to the tonic, which is why the tonic is associated with scale degree one.

The tonic is the home base of the key, and that home is the first scale degree. In any key, the note that feels like “home” and the triad built on it establish the tonal center, so scale degree one is the tonic. For example, in C major, C is scale degree one and the tonic pitch; chords built on C (the I chord) reinforce that center. Other degrees create motion and tension (like the dominant on five) and want to resolve back to the tonic, which is why the tonic is associated with scale degree one.