The formula for forming major scales no matter the key is whole step – whole step – 1/2 step – whole step – whole step – whole step – half step. Let’s say you’re in the key of C, the notes of the C major scale are C D E F G A B C. How do you construct a major scale? Simply start with the name of the scale (also known as the root), followed by a whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step. It is arranged in a pattern of whole steps and half steps. How to Form a Major ScaleĪ major scale consists of eight notes.

There are two types of diatonic scales – major and minor scales. The eighth note is a duplicate of the first. Go here to get it at a discounted price.Ī diatonic scale is a series of eight successive notes that are arranged in a systematic relationship of whole steps and half steps. My new book, Piano Scales Made Simple, will help you with your scales. Examples of whole steps are the distance between C and D, D and E, E and F sharp, and B flat and C. This interval is often called a whole tone. What is a whole step? It is two adjacent half steps. So is the distance between D and D sharp, E and F, and B and C. For example the distance between C and C sharp on your piano keyboard is a semitone. This interval is often called a semitone. What is a half step? It is the distance from one pitch to the next nearest pitch either up or down.

Then we learn how to form chromatic, pentatonic and blues scales and more.įirst of all, we need to understand what are half steps and whole steps. Minor scales include natural or pure minor scales, harmonic minor scales and melodic minor scales. We will first of all learn how to build major scales and minor scales. We shall look at various kinds of scales in this section.

Formula for harmonic minor scale