What is a scale?
A scale is an ordered pattern of notes built from a root.
- Most scales span one octave and return to the root.
- The pattern of semitone steps defines the scale's color.
- Different scales create different moods and functions.
Instrument for all examples
Pick a sound and every example will use it.
Major and minor families
Major and minor scales are the most common. Minor scales have several flavors: natural, harmonic, and melodic.
Major (Ionian)C4-D4-E4-F4-G4-A4-B4-C5Semitone steps: 0-2-4-5-7-9-11-12
Natural Minor (Aeolian)A3-B3-C4-D4-E4-F4-G4-A4Semitone steps: 0-2-3-5-7-8-10-12
Harmonic MinorA3-B3-C4-D4-E4-F4-G♯4-A4Semitone steps: 0-2-3-5-7-8-11-12
Melodic MinorA3-B3-C4-D4-E4-F♯4-G♯4-A4Semitone steps: 0-2-3-5-7-9-11-12
Modes
Modes are rotations of the major scale. They share the same notes but start on different degrees.
DorianD4-E4-F4-G4-A4-B4-C5-D5Semitone steps: 0-2-3-5-7-9-10-12
PhrygianE4-F4-G4-A4-B4-C5-D5-E5Semitone steps: 0-1-3-5-7-8-10-12
LydianF4-G4-A4-B4-C5-D5-E5-F5Semitone steps: 0-2-4-6-7-9-11-12
MixolydianG4-A4-B4-C5-D5-E5-F5-G5Semitone steps: 0-2-4-5-7-9-10-12
LocrianB3-C4-D4-E4-F4-G4-A4-B4Semitone steps: 0-1-3-5-6-8-10-12
Key signatures
Key signatures show which notes are sharp or flat for a given scale.
- Major keys use the tonic as the key signature.
- Minor keys share the key signature of their relative major.
- Harmonic and melodic minor add extra accidentals on top.