What is the scale degree name for notes starting on the fourth note of the scale?

The term used for the fourth note of the scale is "Subdominant." When you consider a diatonic scale, the notes can be identified by their scale degrees, which often have distinct names that help with understanding their function within that scale.

In the context of a major scale, the tonic is the first note, while the subdominant is the fourth. This note plays a pivotal role in music theory and harmonization. The subdominant is often used to create movement away from the tonic and towards the dominant (the fifth note of the scale), which helps establish tension and resolution in music composition.

Understanding the function of the subdominant is essential, as it often serves as a preparatory chord leading to the dominant, creating a sense of progression. This relationship between the tonic, subdominant, and dominant is foundational to much of Western music theory, which explains why this particular term is significant in both analysis and practical application of music.

The other options present terminologies that refer to different scale degrees: the tonic (first degree), the dominant (fifth degree), and the subtonic (often the seventh degree in a natural minor scale), all of which have their unique roles that are distinct from that of the sub