Writing above the tonic, major and minor
Worked example: a 3rd above A
Writing a note above the tonic takes three steps:
- Put the tonic on rung 1, counting the tonic as 1.
- Climb to the number asked for: 3 lands on C.
- Check the key. A major has C sharp, so write C sharp.
With no key signature on the stave, write the sharp or flat yourself.
Quick check
A 4th above E flat, in E flat major, is:
The raised 7th
In a harmonic minor key the 7th above the tonic is raised. A 7th above E in E minor is D sharp, not D. In D minor it is C sharp, and in A minor G sharp.
Quick check
In A minor, which note is a 7th above A?
Remember
- Count the tonic as 1, then climb to the number.
- Check the key: with no key signature, write the sign yourself.
- In a minor key the 7th is raised.
This question is in Brainlag Plus