What Is A Scale?
A scale consists of a series of pitches arranged in ascending order, spanning
an octave.
The most commonly used scales are major and minor. Many other types of scales
are used including Modes and Jazz Scales.
Major Scale
The major scale consists of eight consecutive notes of the musical alphabet
forming a definite pattern of whole steps and half steps. Note that sharps had
to be used to make the E major scale conform to this pattern.
Natural Minor Scale
The natural minor scale consists of eight consecutive notes of the musical
alphabet forming this pattern of whole and half steps:
Harmonic Minor Scale
The harmonic minor scale is based on the natural minor scale, with the seventh
note of the scale raised one half step.
Raising the seventh note creates an interval of three half steps between the
sixth and seventh notes, and a half step between the seventh and eighth notes.
Melodic Minor Scale
The melodic minor scale is based on the natural minor scale, with the sixth and
seventh notes of the scale raised one half step.
The melodic minor scale is used for ascending melodic motion, but reverts to
the natural minor form in descending melodic motion.
Relative Major/Minor Scales
Relative major and minor scales share the same key signature, but begin on
different notes. G major and E minor are relative major and minor scales.
Parallel Major/Minor Scales
Parallel major and minor scales start on the same note, but use different key
signatures. G major and G minor are parallel major and minor scales.