Which term describes scale degree II?

Which term describes scale degree II?

• A. Tonic
• B. Subdominant
• C. Supertonic
• D. Dominant

Answer: (C)

The second scale degree is called the supertonic. In any key, the tonic is the first degree, and the next step up—the second degree—is labeled the supertonic. This name reflects its function as the note right above the tonic, and it’s the degree that often leads onward to the dominant, helping establish a sense of motion toward resolution. For example, in C major the supertonic is D, and the chord built on D (D minor in a major key) commonly acts as a predominant that moves to G major (the dominant). In minor keys the feel is similar, though the quality of the chord on the supertonic can differ (often ii° or ii), still keeping the same label.

The second scale degree is called the supertonic. In any key, the tonic is the first degree, and the next step up—the second degree—is labeled the supertonic. This name reflects its function as the note right above the tonic, and it’s the degree that often leads onward to the dominant, helping establish a sense of motion toward resolution. For example, in C major the supertonic is D, and the chord built on D (D minor in a major key) commonly acts as a predominant that moves to G major (the dominant). In minor keys the feel is similar, though the quality of the chord on the supertonic can differ (often ii° or ii), still keeping the same label.