What is the name of scale degree 5?

Scale degree 5 is referred to as the Dominant. This term is derived from the functional role that this degree plays within the context of tonal music. The Dominant is crucial because it establishes tension that typically resolves to the tonic, which is the home chord or key of a piece.

In the context of the diatonic scale, the Dominant degree creates a strong pull towards the Tonic, reinforcing the home key and establishing a sense of direction in music. For instance, in the key of C Major, the Dominant would be the note G, which is the fifth note in the scale. This note, when harmonized into a chord (G major), creates a dominant seventh chord which contains a leading tone that resolves beautifully back to the Tonic (C major).

Understanding the Dominant is essential for analyzing chord progressions and for composers and performers who seek to create tension, resolution, and emotional impact in their music.