Scale degrees · E major
The 7 of E is D♯
The 7 (seven) of E is D♯ (D sharp): a major seventh above the root.
E — the root, 1D♯ — the 7
How to find it
Count letters first, the root included: E, F, G, A, B, C, D. A 7th lands on D.
Then the sound: a major seventh is 11 semitones above E, and the D that is 11 semitones up is D♯.
That is why it is D♯ and not E♭: E♭ is the same key on the piano, but from E it would be an unison, not a 7th.
Where you meet it
The 7 is a half step below the root: the major seventh, the 7th of the maj7 chord and the leading tone of the key.
In Emaj7:
E · G♯ · B · D♯
The 7 in every key
| Key | The 7 |
|---|---|
| C | B |
| G | F♯ |
| D | C♯ |
| A | G♯ |
| E | D♯ |
| B | A♯ |
| F♯ | E♯ |
| D♭ | C |
| A♭ | G |
| E♭ | D |
| B♭ | A |
| F | E |
Every degree of E
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