• A scale is like a ladder of notes.

• It begins at the home note and ascends (goes up) to a note that is the same name but higher (octave).

• The home note is the name of the scale.

Half Steps and Whole Steps:

• Scales are made using a series of half steps and whole steps.

• A half step is a note that is closest to a note.

• If you start on a white key, it is usually a black key, but sometimes it is another white key.