Scales Advanced Piano

This tutorial will explain more advanced concepts about Scales.

In the previous tutorial, we learned that a Major Scale is made of a pattern of Whole Steps and Half Steps in this order:
This tutorial will explain more advanced concepts about Scales.

In the previous tutorial, we learned that a Major Scale is made of a pattern of Whole Steps and Half Steps in this order:

Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half

What gives a Major Scale its particular sound is not the notes it contains, but the way those notes are spaced.

If we were to start on a different note, such as F, but keep the same pattern of Whole Steps and Half steps, we would have an F Major Scale.

Look at the interval from A to Bb. We know that in order to keep the pattern of Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half we require a 1/2 step here.

However, naturally the interval from A to B is a Whole Step.

By choosing Bb instead of B, we force the interval to become a Half Step.

Now let’s look at another example.

We will play a G Major Scale by starting on G and following the pattern of Whole Whole Half, Whole Whole Whole Half.

Look at the interval from E to F#. We know that in order to keep the pattern of Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half we require a whole step here.

However, naturally the interval from E to F is only a half step.

Therefore we replace F with F#, forcing the interval to become a Whole Step.

Using what you know, it is now possible to play all twelve major scales, starting on each of the twelve possible notes.

Fill out the worksheet below to practice your skills.

Notes in Every Key Worksheet

When you are done, you can check your answers here.

Notes in Every Key Answers

Once you have filled out the worksheet, you may go on to the next exercise.

Please press the Exercise button below.