Noisemaking 101 - The Major Scale
Introduction
The major scale or Ionian mode in music is a set of 7 notes that follow a specific pattern of intervals (a distance between two notes). A major scale is part of the major-minor diatonic system. There are 12 major scales one for each of the different notes on the keyboard.
Structure
The best way to figure out the notes of a major scale is to memorize the order of semi-tones and whole-tones. There are only 7 intervals to remember but lets make this even easier by splitting the scale in half. To simplify, the major scale is made up of 2 sets of 4 notes known as a tetrachord.
Here's what the scale looks like.
Have a listen to the scale as well.
Special Note: Until equal temperament was invented the sound of the major scale varied depending on what key (tonic) you started the scale on. Because of this only a limited number of keys could be played during a performance since only certain tunings could play certain keys.
Name that note
Now that you know the structure of the major scale you should also give each note a name to help you memorize the scale further. You can give each note a number from 1 to 7 starting with the tonic (first note of the scale). But, even better is to start from the tonic and name the notes as follows:
- Tonic
- Super-Tonic
- Median
- Sub-Median
- Dominant
- Sub-Median
- Leading Tone
Using these names will help you discuss music with other musicians but you'll want to become familiar with the where tonic and the dominant are in relation to the scale.
Share