Major Scales

A scale is a selection of certain notes within an octave. The first scale that we will discuss is the major scale. The major scale is constructed with this formula. W's represent whole steps and h's represent half steps.

Let's build a C Major Scale. Our starting note will be C.

From the C, we will take a whole step to D.

From the D, we will take another whole step to E.

Next, we will go up a half step to F.

From F, the whole step will take us to G.

Next is another whole step to A.

The last whole step takes us to B.

Finally, the half step returns us to C.

Minor Scale

While there is only one major scale, three different variations of the minor scale exist. The first minor scale that will we discuss is natural minor. It is constructed with this formula.

A Natural Minor is: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A.

Notice that the A Natural Minor Scale has no notes with accidentals.

Next, we will discuss harmonic minor. To convert any natural minor scale into harmonic minor, raise the seventh note by a half step.

Let's convert C Natural Minor into C Harmonic Minor. Simply raise the seventh note (B-flat ) by a half step, resulting in B. C harmonic minor is: C, D, E-flat , F, G, A-flat , B.

Finally, we will discuss melodic minor. To convert a natural minor scale into melodic minor, raise both the sixth and seventh notes by a half step. For example, to convert C Natural Minor into C Melodic Minor, simply raise the A-flat and B-flat a half step to A and B. C melodic minor is: C, D, E-flat , F, G, A, B.

Usually, melodic minor is used only when ascending. When descending, composers prefer to use the natural minor scale.

Scale Degrees

Each note of a scale has a special name, called a scale degree. The first (and last) note is called the tonic.

The fifth note is called the dominant.

The fourth note is called the subdominant.

Notice that the subdominant is the same distance below the tonic as the dominant is above it (a generic fifth).

The prefix sub is Latin for under or beneath. The third note is called the mediant since it is in the middle of the tonic and dominant.

Likewise, the sixth note is called the submediant since it is in the middle of the upper tonic and subdominant.

The second note is called the supertonic. Super is Latin for above.

While the scale degrees for the first six notes are the same for both major and minor scales, the seventh one is special.

If the seventh note is a half step below the tonic, it is called a leading tone.

Play the C Major Scale, notice how the seventh note wants to lead into the tonic. Leading tones also occur in harmonic minor and melodic minor. In natural minor, the seventh note is a whole step below the tonic. In this case, the note is called a subtonic.

Play the C Natural Minor scale, notice how the seventh tone lacks the desire to lead into the tonic.

Key Signature

A key signature is a collection of every accidental found in a scale. To demonstrate this, we will use the key of C Minor, which has three flats.

Instead of writing a flat next to every E, A, and B; we can simply add a key signature to the beginning of the measure.

Next, let's examine D-flat Major, which has five flats.

Again, a key signature can be used instead of writing each accidental.

As you may have noticed, the flats are arranged in a special order. B-flat is first, followed by E-flat , A-flat , D-flat , and G-flat .

Next comes C-flat and finally F-flat .

You can remember this order by using the following saying: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles' Father Key signatures can also comprise sharps. Let's try A Major, which has three sharps.

The C-sharp , F-sharp , and G-sharp move into the key signature.

Finally, let's try E Major, with four sharps

The F-sharp , G-sharp , C-sharp , and D-sharp move into the key signature.

Sharps are arranged in the opposite order of flats. F-sharp comes first, followed by C-sharp , G-sharp , and D-sharp .

Next comes A-sharp , E-sharp , and finally B-sharp .

You can remember this order by using the following saying: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle. Use this chart to reference key signatures for both treble and bass clefs.

Key signature Calculation

30 different key signatures exist (15 for major scales and 15 for minor scales). Most theory students are expected to memorize all 30.

Fortunately, using the key signature calculation method, one only has to memorize seven. In the calculation method, each key signature is assigned a numeric value based on the number and type of accidentals. Sharps are positive; flats are negative.

The key of C Major has no accidentals; therefore, its numeric value is 0.

The key of D Major has two sharps; thus, its numeric value is 2.

The key of E Major has four sharps - a numeric value of 4.

The key of F Major has one flat; therefore, its numeric value is -1. (Remember: flats are assigned negative numbers)

The key of G Major has one sharp. Its numeric value is 1.

The key of A Major has three sharps - a numeric value of 3.

Finally, the key of B Major has five sharps - giving it a numeric value of 5.

These seven values must be memorized before we can proceed. Next, let's compare C-flat , C, and C-sharp Major.

If we start at C Major and subtract 7, we end up at C-flat Major. If we start at C Major and add 7, we end up at C-sharp Major. These two numeric relationships can help us calculate keys that we do not know. Let's figure out E-flat Major. First, start with E Major, which has a numeric value of 4.

To convert to E-flat Major, subtract 7.

The result is -3; thus, E-flat Major has 3 flats.

Let's try F-sharp Major. Start with F Major, which is -1.

To convert to F-sharp Major, add 7.

The result is 6; thus, F-sharp Major has 6 sharps.

Next, we will examine minor scales. Compare C Major and C Minor.

To convert a major scale into its parallel minor, simply subtract 3. Let's calculate D Minor. We will start with D Major, which is 2.

Next, simply subtract 3.

The result is -1. Therefore, D Minor has one 1 flat.

Next, let's try F Minor. We will start with F Major, which is -1.

Next, subtract 3.

The result is -4. Thus, F Minor has 4 flats.

Some key signatures require two conversions. For example, let's calculate C-sharp Minor. Start with C Major, which has a numeric value of 0.

Next, add 7 to get to C-sharp Major.

Finally, subtract 3 to convert to C-sharp Minor.

The result is 4. C-sharp Minor therefore has 4 sharps.

Using the calculation method, it is possible to calculate key signatures which have more than seven accidentals. While these exist in theory; in practice, they would not be used. For example, let's calculate G-sharp Major. Start with G Major, which has a numeric value of 1.

Next, add 7 to get to G-sharp Major.

The result is 8. G-sharp Major therefore has 8 sharps - a double sharp and six normal sharps.

Again, this key is strictly theoretical. In practice, a composer would use the enharmonic equivalent of A-flat major.

Use this chart for reference to the key signature calculation method.