Which scale degree is the mediant?

Which scale degree is the mediant?

• A. I
• B. II
• C. III
• D. IV

Answer: (C)

The mediant is the note that sits a third above the tonic—the third scale degree. Start from the tonic and count up: the second degree is the supertonic, the third degree is the mediant. In any major key, the mediant is the third note of the scale (for example, in C major the notes C–D–E; E is the mediant). In roman numeral terms for a major key, that degree is the III chord. The other options point to the tonic (I), the supertonic (II), or the subdominant (IV), which are not the mediant.

The mediant is the note that sits a third above the tonic—the third scale degree. Start from the tonic and count up: the second degree is the supertonic, the third degree is the mediant. In any major key, the mediant is the third note of the scale (for example, in C major the notes C–D–E; E is the mediant). In roman numeral terms for a major key, that degree is the III chord. The other options point to the tonic (I), the supertonic (II), or the subdominant (IV), which are not the mediant.