• A scale is a selection of certain notes within an octave. The first scale that we will discuss is the major scale.
• The major scale is constructed with this formula. W's represent whole steps and h's represent half steps.
• Let's build a C Major Scale. Our starting note will be C.
• From the C, we will take a whole step to D.
• From the D, we will take another whole step to E.
• Next, we will go up a half step to F.
• From F, the whole step will take us to G.
• Next is another whole step to A.
• The last whole step takes us to B.
• Finally, the half step returns us to C.
• C major is: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C.
• Next, we will build the Eb Major Scale. Our starting note will be Eb.
• The first whole step takes us to F.
• The second whole step takes us to G.
• Notice that the half step from G takes us to Ab, not A.
• The whole step from Ab takes us to Bb.
• The next whole step takes us to C.
• The next whole step takes us to D.
• Finally, the half step from D returns us to Eb.
• Eb major is: Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D, Eb.
• Notice that Eb Major has three flats (Both Eb's only count once).
• For our final scale, we will build the D Major Scale.
• The first whole step takes us to E.
• From the E, the second whole step takes us to F#.
• The half step takes us to G.
• The whole step takes us to A.
• From A, the whole step takes us to B.
• From the B, the whole step takes us to C#.
• Finally, the half step returns us to D.
• D major is: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D.
• Notice that D Major has two sharps.
• It is possible to build any major scale - just start on the first note and follow the formula.