Scale degrees are the individual notes in a musical scale, each assigned a specific number based on its position. For example, in the C major scale, the notes are C (1), D (2), E (3), F (4), G (5), A (6), and B (7). These numbers help musicians understand the relationships between the notes and how they function within a piece of music. Each scale degree has a unique role, such as the tonic (1), which is the home note, or the dominant (5), which creates tension that resolves back to the tonic. Understanding scale degrees is essential for music theory, composition, and improvisation.