Major Scales
A scale is a pattern of notes. Major scales are some of the most commonly found patterns in Western music. The pattern of intervals, or spaces between notes, in a major scale is always: Whole - Whole - Half - Whole - Whole - Whole - Half.
As music theorists, we need to not only memorize all 12 major scales (and eventually minor), but understand how each of the notes in the scale operate. Every note of the scale has developed a function over time. These functions are important to how our ear perceives the major scale. As listeners of music we have all developed an expectancy as to how some of the notes will interact with each other.
Watch the following presentation to learn more:
- Watch the first minute of this video for an example.
As music theorists, we need to not only memorize all 12 major scales (and eventually minor), but understand how each of the notes in the scale operate. Every note of the scale has developed a function over time. These functions are important to how our ear perceives the major scale. As listeners of music we have all developed an expectancy as to how some of the notes will interact with each other.
Watch the following presentation to learn more:
