Basics of Scales
Learn the concept of scales and explore major and minor scales.
1. What is a Scale?
A scale is a collection of notes arranged in a specific sequence based on a root note, following a fixed pattern of intervals. Typically, scales are formed by combining whole steps (major seconds) and half steps (minor seconds), and the order of these intervals creates various types of scales.
C Major Scale is formed from the root note C using the pattern ‘whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half’.
Scales are one of the fundamental elements in music and form the basis of keys. Each scale has its own interval structure, which greatly influences the musical atmosphere it creates—whether it’s bright and cheerful, dark and moody, or tense and dramatic.
2. Major Scale
The major scale is built from a root note using the interval pattern ‘whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half’. For example, the C Major Scale consists of seven notes: C-D-E-F-G-A-B, following this exact structure.
C Major Scale
G Major Scale
Good to know
G Major Scale
If you start from G and arrange the notes sequentially as G-A-B-C-D-E-F-G, it forms the pattern ‘whole-whole-half-whole-whole-half-whole’, which is different from the major scale’s interval pattern of ‘whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half’.
To correct this, the 7th note F is raised to F#, restoring the ‘whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half’ pattern.
This will be covered in more detail in the Key and Key Signature chapters.
The major scale gives off a bright, lively, and stable sound, making it the most widely used scale in various genres of music. In particular, the majority of songs in modern popular music are written in major keys.
3. Minor Scale
Compared to major scales, minor scales tend to evoke a darker and more emotional mood,
- Natural Minor Scale
- Harmonic Minor Scale
- Melodic Minor Scale
and come in three distinct types.
① Natural Minor Scale
The natural minor scale is the most basic form, built using the interval pattern ‘whole-half-whole-whole-half-whole-whole’. For example, the A Natural Minor Scale consists of the notes A-B-C-D-E-F-G.
A Minor Scale
② Harmonic Minor Scale
The harmonic minor scale is formed by raising the 7th note of the natural minor scale. This creates a unique interval of 1.5 steps (augmented second) between the 6th and 7th notes, which is neither a whole nor half step.
A Harmonic Scale
③ Melodic Minor Scale
The melodic minor scale is derived from the harmonic minor by raising the 6th note as well. The first four notes follow the minor pattern, while the last four resemble the major scale, giving it a brighter and more fluid character than the other minor scales.
A Melodic Scale
Good to know
Why Are There Three Types of Minor Scales?
Natural Minor Scaleis the purest and most basic form of the minor scale. However, since its 6th and 7th notes are each a half step lower than in the major scale, issues arise when building chords. Notably, the dominant chord (5th degree) in the natural minor scale lacks the tension typically expected in a dominant–tonic resolution.
To address this, the Harmonic Minor Scalewas developed by raising the 7th note. This created stronger tension and a clearer resolution in dominant chords. However, the harmonic minor introduced a new problem: the interval between the 6th and 7th notes became too wide, making melodies sound awkward.
To solve this issue, the Melodic Minor Scalewas introduced. The melodic minor scale allows for smoother melodic motion and was especially suited for vocal music and melodic instruments.
These three minor scales were developed to meet different harmonic and melodic needs. In modern music, it’s common to mix these scales within a single piece—switching between harmonic and melodic minor as needed—allowing for richer expression in minor-key music.
We’ll explore more about harmony in the upcoming chapters on chords and harmonic structure.
Good to know
Ascending and Descending Forms of the Melodic Minor Scale
In early Western classical music, the melodic minor scale was used with raised 6th and 7th degrees only when ascending, while descending reverted to the natural minor scale. This approach kept melodies flowing naturally—building tension while ascending and relaxing while descending.
In contrast, modern popular music and jazz use the melodic minor scale with raised 6th and 7th degrees regardless of direction. This version, sometimes called the ‘jazz minor scale,’ is essential in jazz improvisation and modal applications.