Major Scale ConstructionMajor Scale Construction

Properties of a Major ScaleProperties of a Major Scale

• Let’s look at a C Major scale• Let’s look at a C Major scale

What do you notice about this sequence of pitches?

Properties of a Major ScaleProperties 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

Constructing a G Major Scale

1. Begin with the key note (the note for which the scale is named)

1. Begin with the key note (the note for which the scale is named)

Constructing a G Major Scale

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

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 higher3. 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 higher3. Add the remaining notes in

between

Constructing a G Major Scale

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 higher3. Add the remaining notes in between4. 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 higher3. Add the remaining notes in between4. Add the whole and half step pattern

Constructing a G Major Scale

Constructing a G Major Scale1. Begin with the key note (the note for which the scale is

named)2. Add the ending note one octave higher3. Add the remaining notes in between4. 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 higher3. Add the remaining notes in between4. 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

Constructing a G Major Scale1. Begin with the key note (the note for which the scale is named)

2. Add the ending note one octave higher3. Add the remaining notes in between4. 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 higher3. Add the remaining notes in between4. 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

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 EndThe End