The Major Scale

The most important scale in ALL of music.

Published: 01 Feb 2013 Updated: 02 Apr 2021Visits: 420Code: ML-basic-11

INSTRUMENTS: Scales Main: Music Others: Music ANY Harmonica Ukulele Guitar
Subjects: Theory • Beginner • Scales

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The Major Scale


Called the learning scale for a reason. The major scale is a great scale for learning how music and chords work. It’s a core scale from which a majority of your core, essential scales can be derived.

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For learning the names of the chord tones of all your chords, the major scale is the scale used.

There are 15 Major scales/keys: C , G , D , A , E , B , F♯ , C♯ , F , B♭ , E♭ , A♭ , D♭ , G♭ , C♭ . YES, fifteen (15) NOT just twelve – the three Enharmonic Equivalent scales are: B/C♭, C♯/D♭, F♯,G♭, although not common keys they are essential scales and need to be mastered.

In Western music, the Major scale is one of the most fundamental and widely used scales. It is a diatonic scale, meaning it consists of seven notes (ALL seven letters A B C D E F G) and spans an octave. The pattern of intervals between the notes of the Major scale is as follows: WholeWholeHalfWholeWholeWholeHalf Or, in terms of semitones (half–steps): 2212221

The result for the C Major scale, is the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. • the white keys of a standard piano.

The Major scale has a bright and happy sound, and it serves as the basis for many melodies, harmonies, and chord progressions in Western music. Each note in the Major scale can be associated with a specific degree or number, which forms the basis for understanding music theory, chord construction, and key relationships.

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Related Lessons, Videos, Lesson Series, Songs, Books & Reference Charts, Resources & Assets, Workshops are below.

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Key Signatures and the Circle of Fifths and Fourths

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The Chromatic Scale

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The only scale in music with ALL twelve notes of one octave. Not much use for improvisation or solos – but a great scale for learning the notes of the ukulele fingerboard, figuring out scales, chords and more...

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Whole Steps and Half Steps Explained

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The distance between any two notes can be defined by steps - half steps, whole steps, semi-tones, whole tones. From this series of steps you can get the names of the notes of ANY of the fifteen major scales.

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Understanding Diatonic Intervals

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An interval is the distance between two notes. An interval has a name and a type. Intervals can be played one note (melodic) or two notes (harmonic) at a time, ascending or descending. Simple and Compound Intervals are taken from a major scale. Chromatic Intervals are NOT taken from a major scale. They are derived from the diatonic intervals.

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Navigating the C Major Scale

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The C Major Scale is typically the first Full Diatonic major scale that most players learn. It’s the first scale to learn when stating to explore music theory - the principles of music.

Related Books & Charts

Related Books for The Major Scale.

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Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

Updated: 10 Jun 2021

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QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele, C Tuning - Ionian Scale

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The Ionian scale is a major scale more commonly known by its traditional name - Major and one of six essential scales for ALL ukulele players. One octave scale fingering solutions for strings four and three and any finger with the Mixolydian scale chords are covered in all keys. Sample chord progressions for practice are included. Tunings: C with low or high G - (GCEA or gCEA). This book includes access to four studio recorded backing tracks for exploring the scale and improvisation in a variety of settings. Tracks are also great for practicing your chords against.

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QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele, Volume I, C Tuning

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Learn to create exciting solos in a variety of contemporary styles! Scales are used to improvise, create melodies and riffs. With broad knowledge of the essential scales that are used in contemporary music and a mastery of the ukulele's fingerboard and fingering principles, you're well on your way.

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QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele, Volume I, D Tuning

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This book is out of print and has been replaced by the individual scale books covering each scale with additional information.

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QuickStartScale Fingerings for Tenor and Baritone Ukulele, Volume I, G Tuning

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A Selection of Books & Reference Charts that are recommended for creating a solid foundation with your chosen instrument and music in general.

Books

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard – C Tuning

Finally, learn the names of the notes of the fingerboard.

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering

Learn the six fingering principles to navigating the ukulele fingerboard. Fingering is one of the most universal topics.

Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition.

Ukulele – Reading Music Series – Primer

Learn to read single note melodies in the first/open position is a lot easier than you might think.

Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele

An organized collection of daily practice and reference material for the contemporary ukulele player for developing the vocabulary and knowledge necessary for single note playing.

Checkout the Books for ALL available books.

Reference Charts

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G - G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G – G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Key Signatures — Circle of Fourths and Fifths – ANSI A & A4 sizes

A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatures. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized (ANSI-A) , A4

Checkout the Books for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.

Related Lesson Files, Resources and Assets

Related Assets for The Major Scale.

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Open Position, C Major Scale on Ukulele - C Tuning [video]

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Open position C Major scale for C tuned ukulele.

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Key Signatures - Cycle of Fourths and Fifths

Updated: 14 Oct 2019

A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatues. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized.

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