Mediant

For mediant in mathematics, see mediant (mathematics).

In music, the mediant is the third degree of the diatonic scale, being the "middle" note of the tonic triad. For example, in the C major scale (white keys on a piano, starting on C), the mediant is the note E; and the mediant chord uses the notes E, G, and B. In music theory, the mediant chord is symbolized by the Roman numeral iii if it is within the major mode (because it is a minor triad, for example E-G-B in C major) or III if it is within the minor mode (because it is a major triad, for example E♭-G-B♭ in C minor).

"Mediant" also refers to a relationship of musical keys. For example, relative to the key of C major, the key of E major (or E minor) is the mediant. Modulation (change of key) to the mediant is relatively rare, compared with, say, modulation to the dominant.

In German theory derived from Hugo Riemann the mediant in major is considered the dominant parallel, Dp, and in minor the tonic parallel, tP.

degrees of a scale

First note: tonic
Second note: Supertonic
Third note: Mediant
Fourth note: Sub-Dominant
Fifth note: dominant
Sixth note: Sub-Mediant
Seventh note: Leading/Subtonic

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degrees of a scale

First note: tonic Second note: Supertonic Third note: Mediant Fourth note: Sub-Dominant Fifth note: dominant Sixth note: Sub-Mediant Seventh note: Leading/Subtonic