Which of the following scale degrees stays the same when changing from a major to minor scale?
(1 point)
Responses
third
third
seventh
seventh
fifth
fifth
sixth
sixth
The answer is "third." In both the major and minor scales, the third scale degree remains the same.
To determine which of the following scale degrees stays the same when changing from a major to minor scale, we need to understand the differences between major and minor scales.
In a major scale, the third scale degree is a major third interval above the tonic (or the first scale degree). However, in a minor scale, the third scale degree is a minor third interval above the tonic. This means that the third scale degree changes when going from a major to a minor scale.
In a major scale, the seventh scale degree is a major seventh interval above the tonic. On the other hand, in a natural minor scale, the seventh scale degree is a minor seventh interval above the tonic. Therefore, the seventh scale degree also changes when transitioning from a major to a minor scale.
In a major scale, the fifth scale degree is a perfect fifth above the tonic. In a natural minor scale, the fifth scale degree remains the same, as it is also a perfect fifth above the tonic. Thus, the fifth scale degree stays the same when changing from a major to minor scale.
Finally, in a major scale, the sixth scale degree is a major sixth above the tonic, while in a natural minor scale, the sixth scale degree is a minor sixth above the tonic. Consequently, the sixth scale degree changes when going from a major to a minor scale.
Therefore, among the given options, the scale degree that stays the same when changing from a major to a minor scale is the fifth scale degree.