Major Scale Construction

Properties of a Major Scale Let’s look at a C Major scale What do you notice about this sequence of pitches?

Properties of a Major Scale 1.begin and end on the same pitch 2.are a series of whole and half steps 3.have eight pitches per octave 4.follow a specific pattern of whole and half steps: W W H W W W H All Major Scales:

Constructing a G Major Scale 1. Begin with the key note (the note for which the scale is named)

Constructing a G Major Scale 1.Begin with the key note (the note for which the scale is named) 2.Add the ending note one octave higher 1.Begin with the key note (the note for which the scale is named) 2.Add the ending note one octave higher

Constructing a G Major Scale 1.Begin with the key note (the note for which the scale is named) 2.Add the ending note one octave higher 3.Add the remaining notes in between 1.Begin with the key note (the note for which the scale is named) 2.Add the ending note one octave higher 3.Add the remaining notes in between

Constructing a G Major Scale 1.Begin with the key note (the note for which the scale is named) 2.Add the ending note one octave higher 3.Add the remaining notes in between 4.Add the whole and half step pattern 1.Begin with the key note (the note for which the scale is named) 2.Add the ending note one octave higher 3.Add the remaining notes in between 4.Add the whole and half step pattern

Constructing a G Major Scale 1.Begin with the key note (the note for which the scale is named) 2.Add the ending note one octave higher 3.Add the remaining notes in between 4.Add the whole and half step pattern 5.Check the intervals to see if they conform to the required pattern Notice that E to F is only a half step, and a whole step is required here And that F to G is a whole step, a place where a half step is required 1.Begin with the key note (the note for which the scale is named) 2.Add the ending note one octave higher 3.Add the remaining notes in between 4.Add the whole and half step pattern 5.Check the intervals to see if they conform to the required pattern Notice that E to F is only a half step, and a whole step is required here And that F to G is a whole step, a place where a half step is required

Constructing a G Major Scale 1.Begin with the key note (the note for which the scale is named) 2.Add the ending note one octave higher 3.Add the remaining notes in between 4.Add the whole and half step pattern 5.Check the intervals to see if they conform to the required pattern By changing the F to an F# we correct these two intervals 1.Begin with the key note (the note for which the scale is named) 2.Add the ending note one octave higher 3.Add the remaining notes in between 4.Add the whole and half step pattern 5.Check the intervals to see if they conform to the required pattern By changing the F to an F# we correct these two intervals

A Major scale beginning on any pitch can be constructed in this manner Always remember the whole and half step pattern: W W H W W W H

The End