1. The sixth scale degree in the Western major or minor scales. 2. The major or minor chord built on the sixth scale degree ("submediant chord"). 3. The harmonic function associated with the submediant chord. See also deceptive cadence.
The sixth degree of a major or minor scale. Also, the name of the triad built on the sixth degree of the scale, indicated by VI in a major key and by vi in a minor key.
In music, the submediant is the sixth tonal degree of the diatonic scale. It is so called because it is a third below the tonic, in contrast to the being a third above the tonic. It is the mediant of the subdominant triad.