In this video, we explore four essential scale types—
Major, Major Pentatonic, Major Blues, and Minor Blues—
and how to play them in all 12 keys, using the Circle of Fifths as our guide.
We’ll talk about the structure of each scale, how they sound, and how they’re used in different musical contexts.
Whether you're new to theory or looking to expand your improvisation skills, this is a great way to internalize key patterns and deepen your understanding of tonal relationships on the piano.
🔁 Circle of Fifths: Your Practice Map
We’ll go through each scale type in the keys of:
C, G, D, A, E, B, F, B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, and G♭
The Circle of Fifths is a powerful tool that helps us visualize relationships between keys.
Moving clockwise adds one sharp with each step, while counterclockwise adds one flat.
It’s incredibly useful for transposing, composing, and improvising.
Major Scale, Major Pentatonic Scale, Major Blues Scale,
and Minor Blues Scale in All 12 Keys
– Around the Circle of Fifths
Keys: Clockwise: C, G, D, A, E, B
Counter-Clockwise: F, B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭
The major scale has that classic “happy” sound and is
often recognized as the do-re-mi scale.
It’s usually the first scale most people learn.
Formula: W – W – H – W – W – W – H
Degrees: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - (8 Octave)
W = Whole step (a key between the two notes)
H = Half step (keys that are directly next to each other)
🎵 Major Pentatonic Scale (5 Notes)
Built from the major scale degrees: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8
The major pentatonic scale is perfect for improvisation—
it rarely clashes and sounds good almost anywhere.
It’s also one of the most universal scales, found in nearly every musical culture across the globe. There's something primal and instantly recognizable about its sound.
🎶 Major Blues Scale (6 Notes)
Built on major scale degrees: 1, 2, ♭3, 3, 5, 6, 8
Take note! When we say ♭3 and 3 (also written as ♮3), we’re talking about the blue note—the expressive sound that comes from lowering a note by a half step. For example, in E major:
♭3 = G-natural
3 (♮3) = G-sharp
The major blues scale adds flavor to your improvisation and is great for slipping into rock, funk, or blues jams.
Built on minor scale degrees: 1, 3, 4, ♭5, 5, 7
Or think major scale degrees: 1, ♭3, 4, ♭5, 5, ♭7
This is the scale most people think of when they hear “the blues scale.”
It’s gritty, soulful, and perfect for blues, rock, jazz, and beyond.
Those blue notes (♭3, ♭5, ♭7) are what give it that raw, emotional feel.
Tip:
Practice all these scales in all 12 keys using the Circle of Fifths to stay organized and build fluency across the keyboard.
Each scale has its own character—mastering them will open up a world of creative possibilities.
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