The Major Scale

The most important scale in ALL of music.

Published: 01 Feb 2013 Updated: 02 Apr 2021Visits: 98Code: ML-basic-11

Category: ScalesInstrument: Music 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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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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QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele, Volume I, D 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.

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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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