What is a scale?
A scale is a set of notes arranged from low to high, defined by the pattern of steps between them. The notes of a scale are the raw material for melodies and chords: a song "in C major" mostly uses the notes of the C major scale, and the chords are built by stacking thirds on those notes.
Whole steps and half steps
The smallest distance on a piano is a half step (H), one key to the next. Two half steps make a whole step (W). A scale's character comes from where its half steps fall. The major scale is W W H W W W H. Natural minor is W H W W H W W. Start the major pattern on any note and you get that note's major scale, spelled with one letter per degree (F♯ major contains E♯, not F).
Families of scales in this library
- Major and minor: the foundation of most Western music, including natural, harmonic and melodic minor.
- Modes: dorian, phrygian, lydian, mixolydian and locrian are rotations of the major scale, each with its own colour.
- Pentatonic and blues: five- and six-note scales that are the backbone of rock, blues and folk soloing.
Not sure which scale a melody uses? The scale finder narrows it down from the notes. To learn the keys behind these scales, see the key signature chart.
Frequently asked questions
What is a musical scale?
A scale is an ordered set of notes within an octave, defined by the pattern of whole and half steps between them. Melodies and chords in a piece are usually built from one scale.
How many scales are there?
Hundreds, but a handful cover almost all Western music: the major scale, the three minor scales, the seven modes, and the pentatonic and blues scales. All are in this library for every root note.
What is the difference between major and minor scales?
Major scales sound bright and use the pattern whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half. Natural minor sounds darker, with a lowered third, sixth and seventh compared to major.