Scales

Scales

This tutorial will explain the concept of scales and how they are constructed.

Particularly, we will learn about the Major Scale.
A scale is a series of closely spaced notes in ascending or descending order.


Scales

This tutorial will explain the concept of scales and how they are constructed.

Particularly, we will learn about the Major Scale.

A scale is a series of closely spaced notes in ascending or descending order.

“Scale” literally means “Staircase”.

Unlike a ruler, where each unit is exactly the same size, the units that make up the Major Scale come in two different sizes.

The smaller unit, called a Half Step, is the distance from one note to the nearest note next to it. A Half Step is also known as a Semitone or a Minor 2nd.

The larger unit, called a Whole Step, or Major 2nd, is equal to two half steps.

The major scale is made of an unequal pattern of whole steps and half steps in this order:

Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half.

That is, 2 whole steps, 1 half step, 3 whole steps, 1 half step.



On the piano, it is easy to see that the half steps are between EF and BC because there is no black key in between.

A more general rule that works for all keys is that the half steps are between degrees 3-4 and 7-8.



Now you have a basic understanding of the construction of the Major Scale.