Theory Study

Compiled ABRSM Grades 1-5 exam materials covering notes, rhythm, scales, chords and all major exam topics for easy reference and efficient preparation.

Contents

1. Note Values 2. Bars and Time Signatures 3. Pitch Names 4. Staves and Clefs 5. Staff Notation 6. Ledger Lines 7. Sharps, Flats, and Naturals 8. Semitones, Whole Tones, and the C Major Scale 9. G Major, D Major, and F Major Scales 10. Rests 11. Ties and Dots 12. Tonality and Key Signatures 13. Accidentals 14. Scale Degrees 15. Tonic Chords 16. Intervals 17. Beaming Notes within a Bar 18. Performance Directions

ABRSM Grade 1 Knowledge Points

Knowledge Point 14: Degrees of the Scale

The different notes of a scale (the 1st note, the 2nd note, the 3rd note and so on) are also called degrees of the scale: the 1st note is the 1st degree, the 2nd note is the 2nd degree, and so on. Therefore, we can say that in every major scale the semitones lie between the 3rd and 4th degrees, and between the 7th and 8th degrees. As shown in Figure 41:

D major (up)

Figure 41: Illustration

Note that in a descending scale, we still count the degrees from low to high. Generally, we do not use the term "8th degree", because the 8th degree shares the same letter name as the 1st degree. Therefore, the highest note of the scale is also the 1st degree, as shown in Figure 42:

D major (up)

C major (down)

(The black symbol indicates how we should number the notes if the scale continues.)

Figure 42: Illustration

Look at Figure 43. We have added the scale degree below each note of this melody:

Figure 43: Illustration

← Previous Topic Next Topic →

Systematic Learning to Help You Pass the ABRSM Exam

Download the app to practice anytime, anywhere. Master key exam points easily and see steady improvement in your scores.