Scale degrees are 1 through 7 and have specific names that identify them…

The I Chord – “The Tonic Chord”: This chord is the Root, or place of rest, and usually identifies the key that the piece is in. This chord is usually repeated, and could be major or minor. The 3rd tone in the chord determines if it’s major or minor.

The II Chord – “The Super Tonic Chord”: This chord most often precedes the V Chord (2-5). In a major key, the II Chord is minor, in a minor key the II Chord is diminished. This chord can be exchanged with the IV Chord.

The III Chord – “The Mediant Chord”: This chord usually precedes the VI Chord (3-6). In a major key the III Chord is minor; in a minor key the III Chord is major.

The IV Chord – “The Sub-Dominant” or “Pre-Dominant Chord”: This chord usually precedes the V Chord. In a major key the IV Chord is major; in a minor key the IV Chord is minor. This chord can be exchanged with the II Chord.

The V Chord – “The Dominant Chord”: This chord usually has a minor 7th on it (Flat VII: example C7, F7 and G7 [Dominant 7ths]). In a minor key (with a 7 included) this chord is minor; in a major key (with a 7 included) this chord is major. This chord usually proceeds the II Chord (2-5), and usually precedes the I Chord (5-1).

The VI Chord – “The Sub-Mediant Chord”: This chord often proceeds the III Chord (3-6) and precedes the II Chord (6-2). In a major key, this chord is minor; in a minor key, this chord is major.

The VII Chord – “The Leading Tone”: This chord leads you to the Tonic (The I Chord) which can be major or minor. This chord sits a half step below the Tonic Chord.  The SubTonic Chord, or VI and a half (or Flat VII) sits a whole step below the Tonic, a half step below the Leading Tone, a half step above The Sub-Mediant Chord. The Flat VII Chord can be used as a substitute for the V Chord which can be called a backdoor progression to the Tonic or the I Chord.

Here are four great examples of how scale degrees are used in music. These are chord progressions and this is just a start on how they work…

“Do Re Mi” from ‘The Sound of Music’ – Featured Theme: I Chord, IV Chord & V Chord

“Moody’s Mood For Love” by Brian McKnight – Featured Theme: II Chord, V Chord & I Chord

“Georgia On My Mind” by Ray Charles – Featured Theme: III Chord & VI Chord

“Christmas Time Is Here” by Mariah Carey – Featured Theme: Flat VII Chord & I Chord