Scales
What is a scale?
A scale, quite simply, is a pattern of notes. This pattern will slice up an octave into a collection of distances. The notes at either end are thought of as our tonal center, a concept that will be explained throughout this book. We use scales in writing melodies, as well as harmonies. These patterns are rather simple to derive, and empower the student with the ability to write music.
In this chapter, we will first examine the major scale. We will then examine the minor scale, and two small variations on the minor scale as well. We will also learn when it is appropriate to use sharps versus flats.
Let's derive our first Major scale.
The first step to deriving the major scale is to write out the chromatic scale from the last chapter. The student won’t always need to do this step, of course. For the time being however, it makes the initial learning process much faster. Below is the chromatic scale, written out using sharps.
Below we see a diagram of this concept. Notice how we end on the same letter that we started on. This is true for all scales.
A Chromatic Scale
The chromatic scale, starting on A.
When deriving scales, we use a succession of whole and half steps.
The major scale goes as follows: whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step. Each note is numbered as you go up, these numbers are referred to as scale degrees. You can see them labeled above the notes in the diagram below.
This scale is our clay, and we will now refine it. In order to do this we must use a pattern. This pattern will be used to derive all major scales moving forward. Please be aware that we do not need to start on the same note each time we derive a major scale. The note we start on dictates our tonal center, and the rest of the notes occur because of this initial selection. The pattern is movable, and the student can start on any note he or she likes.
Press Play to Hear the Scale
Scale notes are filled in with color.
Let's change the root of the scale.
If we were to begin on the letter F, we would have the F Major scale. Let’s examine this example, starting on the note F.
Our result is the F Major scale. However, the student will notice something peculiar, about the following scale: We have an A (third scale degree) as well as an A# (fourth scale degree), but no B.
Press Play to Hear the Scale
Scale notes are filled in with color.
All major and minor scales should have a complete alphabet.
We can fix this problem quite easily. We simply need to rewrite all of our sharps as their enharmonic flat. If the student looks at our first chromatic scale diagram, he or she will see that an A# and a B♭, are the same frequency.
These can be used interchangeably, thus the definition of enharmonic. When we switch the sharps for flats, we get all of the letters in our alphabet, and no repeating letters.
Press Play to Hear the Scale
Scale notes are filled in with color.
Next, let's build minor scales.
Minor scales, much like major scales, have a set pattern that they follow.
The minor pattern goes as follows: whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step.
Press Play to Hear the Scale
Scale notes are filled in with color.
Next, let's build harmonic minor scales.
Harmonic minor scales are a variation of the minor scale pattern.
The harmonic minor pattern goes as follows: whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, half step, one and a half steps, half step.
Press Play to Hear the Scale
Scale notes are filled in with color.
Next, let's build melodic minor scales.
Melodic minor scales are a variation of the minor scale pattern.
The harmonic minor pattern goes as follows: whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step.