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Lesson Scale Degree Theory

Degree I — Maj7 (Tonic)

Home — rest and resolution

Prove it — just do the practice exercise.
CMaj7 Shell Voicing
C
R
E
3
B
7
The I degree (tonic) is the harmonic center:

• In C major: CMaj7
• Function: Stability, rest, resolution
• All tension resolves here

Roman numeral: I = major 7th chord on the 1st degree

When you "come home" in a jazz standard, you always land on the I.