If you were to play this scale on the piano, it would contain only white keys. The C-Major scale is made of the notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C. The C-Major scale is one of the first scales we learn because it doesn't contain any sharps or flats. The first note in that scale is 'C.' I could call C the 'Tonic.' E would be the mediant and G would be the dominant. To make that point more clear, look at the example of the C Major scale below. The distance between notes in a major scale always follow this pattern: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half.Įach note in a major scale can also be called a 'Scale degree.'

What is a major scale?Ī major scale is made up of seven unique notes (and one repeated) that span the range of an octave. Some seem angry and could be used when writing pieces about war, others sad, and some joyous. When reading scales, you'll notice that the key is set in the key signature, not by accidentals on each note.Įach key also has character traits.

There are several categories of scales: Major, minors, and modes. If you look at a scale, it looks like a ladder where each rung is a note that fits in the key signature. For you history buffs, or if you just want to rock on trivia night, then remember that the word scale comes from the Latin word 'Scala,' which means ladder. If you were to use just those notes, you could make melodies and harmonies that would sound good together. Scales are collections of the eight notes that make up a key.

D flat major harmonic scale