Theory Threads

Major & Minor Modes

The MAJOR Scale

The major scale is a specific pattern of the smallest intervals possible in our Western system of music (called half steps) and ones that are twice as large (called whole steps) that are between two notes of an octave. Note: This is not true in all musics of the world, especially in Eastern cultures, where micro-tones or micro-steps those intevals smaller than the keys on the piano are common. A half step is the distance from a key on the piano to the very next key (either black or white). If you use only the white keys on the piano keyboard, there are two half-steps in each octave of the major scale.

We use the letter "W" for whole step and "H" for half step when labeling a scale.

Therefore, a major scale always has the following pattern:

W W H W W W H

Key signatures, however, take most of the work out of the process for us and put us into different key centers without us even realizing it.

MAJOR Scale Key Signatures

One way to instantly and efficiently use different scales is by paying attention to the key signature. The term key is used to identify the first degree of the scale -- the note the scale starts on. (The G major scale starts on "G".) However, this does not occur when you use the word "Concert __ Scale." This implies that you need to use a transposition because not all instruments play in the same key.

There are seven (7) MAJOR key signatures using SHARPS

and seven (7) MAJOR key signatures using FLATS.

At this point, you may have noticed that there are three (3) pairs of major keys that sound exactly the same as flats or sharps. These are enharmonic keys.

B major = Cb major

F# major = Gb major

C# major = Db major

Let's look at it another way using the white and black keys of the piano:

The Circle of Fifths (or Fourths)

Some people find it clunky and confusing to memorize the key signatures, in order, as shown above, so they are often organized in this handy circle that looks like the face of a clock. Here, the larger black letters are the major keys working their way around (clockwise) from no sharps and no flats at the top of the circle to sharps and then the overlapping enharmonics that take us into flat territory. Note: They didn't put Cb major on this circle, but you can find where it belongs at (5 o'clock - B major).

Buckle Up!

1) Listen: Here are some songs that are all in the key of G major. Notice the upbeat, happier sounding tone to these songs. In general, that's the sound of a major key.

2) Try It (Before You Buy Into It):

Click the logo to the right to use an online digital piano. Using this virtual piano, explore the sound of the C major scale:

C - D - E -F - G - A - B - C

Use your knowledge to construct a major scale (ascending and descending, please) in the keys of:

D major

G major

Bb major

Bonus: Gb major

If you did a good job, they should all sound the same to your ears, do they? Consider the pattern of whole and half steps that create all 12 major scales.

3) DIY: Click on the logo to the left to open Noteflight and create three (3) major scales starting on the following pitches:

C major

A major

Ab major

Bonus: Notate Cb major

First, use the key signature for the respective scale. Then, go back and change the key signature to C major -- no sharps or flats -- and add sharps and flats (accidentals) to create the same scales.

Finally, use the "Lyric/Text" tool to add the "W" for whole steps and "H" for half steps to each scale in Noteflight.

Raise your hand and show me when you are done or share your work with mschatt@independence.k12.oh.us using the "Share" feature in Noteflight.

4) Let's Review: Click this link for one final refresher of major scales.

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