Major Scales

Every major scale follows the same pattern of whole and half steps. Select any root note to see the scale on the keyboard and hear it played.

The formula is: W - W - H - W - W - W - H (Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half)

Root Note
Display
C Major Scale
No sharps or flats
Pattern:
W W H W W W H

The Major Scale Formula

W Whole 2 semitones
W Whole 2 semitones
H Half 1 semitone
W Whole 2 semitones
W Whole 2 semitones
W Whole 2 semitones
H Half 1 semitone

The half steps always occur between degrees 3-4 and 7-8 (or ti-do).

Understanding Major Scales

The major scale is the foundation of Western music theory. Its characteristic "happy" or "bright" sound comes from its specific arrangement of whole and half steps, which creates the familiar do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-ti-do pattern.

Building a Major Scale

To build a major scale from any note:

  1. Start on your root note (this becomes scale degree 1, or "do")
  2. Go up a whole step to reach degree 2 ("re")
  3. Go up another whole step to reach degree 3 ("mi")
  4. Go up a half step to reach degree 4 ("fa")
  5. Go up a whole step to reach degree 5 ("sol")
  6. Go up a whole step to reach degree 6 ("la")
  7. Go up a whole step to reach degree 7 ("ti")
  8. Go up a half step to return to the octave ("do")

Why Some Scales Have Sharps or Flats

When you apply the W-W-H-W-W-W-H formula to different starting notes, you'll find that some notes need to be raised (sharped) or lowered (flatted) to maintain the correct interval pattern.

For example, in G major, F must be raised to F♯ to create the correct whole step between degrees 6 and 7. This is why G major has one sharp in its key signature.

The One-Letter Rule

Every major scale uses each letter name exactly once (with appropriate sharps or flats). You can't have both F and F♯ in the same scale, or skip a letter entirely. This rule helps you spell scales correctly:

  • G major: G - A - B - C - D - E - F♯ - G (not G - A - B - C - D - E - Gb)
  • F major: F - G - A - Bâ™­ - C - D - E - F (not F - G - A - A♯)

Relationship to Modes

The major scale is also called the Ionian mode. Starting the same pattern from different degrees of the scale produces the other six modes (Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian). This is why understanding the major scale is essential for understanding all of modal theory.

Practice Tips

  • Start with C major - it has no sharps or flats, making it easy to visualize
  • Learn scales by key signature groups - practice all sharp keys, then all flat keys
  • Sing while playing - this reinforces the sound of the intervals
  • Practice in contrary motion - one hand ascending while the other descends
  • Use a metronome - gradually increase speed while maintaining evenness