Which chord is identified as the submediant in a scale?

The submediant chord in a scale is the sixth scale degree chord, which is referred to as VI in major keys or vi in minor keys. This chord plays an important role in tonal harmony, often serving to provide contrast and depth within chord progressions.

In both major and minor scales, the submediant chord can contribute to a modulation or help to establish a particular mood within the piece. It is typically positioned a third below the tonic and is often utilized to create smooth voice leading between other chords, thereby enhancing the overall harmonic structure of the music.

Recognizing the submediant chord is fundamental for understanding functional harmony, as it frequently connects to the dominant and tonic chords in progressions. In contrast, the other options represent different scale degree chords but do not fulfill the role of the submediant. Thus, identifying the correct chord as the submediant is crucial for building a strong foundation in music theory.