The mediant corresponds to which scale degree?

• A. Scale Degree I
• B. Scale Degree II
• C. Scale Degree IV
• D. Scale Degree III

Answer: (D)

The mediant is the note that sits a third above the tonic, so it is the third degree of the scale. When you ascend from the tonic, the first step is the tonic, the second is the supertonic, and on the third step you land on the mediant. For example, in a C major key the tonic is C and the third degree is E, so E is the mediant. This idea holds in any key: the mediant always corresponds to the third scale degree, the note you reach on the third step above the tonic.