SCALE STRUCTURE (MAJOR AND MINOR)

Scale is…

A set of musical notes ordered by pitch or diatonic step series. Assembled either
ascending/descending without repetition or omission of any musical alphabet and usually
concludes with a repeated octave at the end of the series.

Example 1.1

Basic Diatonic Scale

To construct a basic diatonic scale (without chromatic alterations1), you may begin on
any pitch and move in consecutive order, either ascending/descending, without omitting or
repeating any notes, until all seven pitches have been presented. The eight notes will be an
octave repetition (Ex 1.2). Since there are seven basic diatonic pitches, this scale may begin on
any one of them and end with the octave repetition.

Example 1.2

Example 1.3

Example 1.3 illustrates a non-diatonic scale structure because of chromatically altered and
repeated note, F, F#. Since all basic diatonic scales encompass all seven unaltered tones.

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Or accidentals
Scale Degree Names

Standard terminology exists to refer to specific scale-degree notes for major and minor
scales. The terms are as follows:

Example 1.4

Tetrachords

 In dealing with specific diatonic tonal2 scales, such as major and minor scales, the
concept of tetrachord structure is quiet helpful.
 Tetrachord is a four-note section or portion of a scale structure; it must be either the first,
or lower, four notes of the scale or the last, or upper, four notes.

Example 1.5

Every diatonic scale (seven tones plus the octave repetition) contains two tetrachords, one upper
and one lower tetrachord (Ex. 1.5)

Procedure for Writing out a Major Scale on E (Ex. 1.6)

1. Given a starting pitch, construct a basic scale, including the octave repetition.
2. Number the scale degrees and divide them into two tetrachords.
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Having or based in a particular key.
 3. Begin with the first tone and adjust, if necessary, the next (second) tone to conform with
the step configuration. Continue in this manner through the fourth tone (last of the lower
tetrachord).
4. Connect the first tetrachord to the second tetrachord by a whole step.
5. Repeat step 3 to complete the upper tetrachord of the scale.

Example 1.6

-Major Scale: Scale degrees 3 and 4 (lower tetrachord) and between degrees 7 and 8 (upper
tetrachord) is always ½ or half step.

-Minor Scale: Scale degrees 2 and 3 (lower tetrachord) and between degrees 5 and 6 (upper
tetrachord) is always ½ or half step.