Music Theory
Scales
A scale is a sequence of notes following a specific pattern of intervals. Scales are the foundation for melodies, harmonies, and chords in music.
Every scale can be played in any key. The key is the starting point or 'home base' of the scale. For example, if you start on C and follow the pattern of intervals of a major scale, you get the C major scale. If you start on G and follow the same pattern, you get the G major scale.
Try ourScale Generator to explore different scales.
Church Modes
Church modes are the basis for a lot of Western music. They are derived from the major scale but start on different notes.
Major (Ionian)
The first mode is the Major scale. It has a bright, joyful sound. On the piano you can play the Major scale by playing all the white keys from C to C.
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Dorian
This mode has a more mellow, folk-like quality compared to the major scale. It's somewhat jazzy and can convey a sense of contemplative calmness. If you play all white keys on a piano from D to D, you get the Dorian mode.
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Phrygian
Known for its exotic and somewhat mystical sound. It has a darker, more mysterious feel, often associated with Spanish and flamenco music. E to E on the white keys gives you the Phrygian mode.
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Lydian
This mode has a dreamy, almost ethereal quality. It's brighter and more surreal than the major scale, often used to convey a sense of wonder or otherworldliness. F to F on the white keys is the Lydian mode.
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Mixolydian
Similar to the major scale but with a more bluesy, rock-like edge due to its lowered seventh. It has a relaxed, laid-back feel, perfect for rock, blues, and folk music. G to G on the white keys gives you the Mixolydian mode.
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Minor (Aeolian)
The Aeolian scale, also known as the natural minor scale, has a somber, melancholic, and sometimes dramatic sound. It is commonly used for evoking a range of deeper emotions. A to A on the white keys is the Aeolian mode.
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Locrian
The most dissonant and tense of the modes, often considered unstable or unsettling. It's rarely used as the main scale in pieces due to its diminished fifth but can be effective for creating a sense of unease or suspense. B to B on the white keys gives you the Locrian mode.
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Pentatonic Scales
Pentatonic scales are like a simplified version of other scales, using only five notes. These scales are found in many musical cultures around the world and are known for their pleasing, harmonious sound.
Major pentatonic
This scale is like a major scale but without the fourth and seventh notes. It sounds bright and happy, similar to the major scale but more straightforward.
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Minor pentatonic
This scale is derived from the natural minor scale but without the second and sixth notes. It has a bluesy, slightly melancholic sound.
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Minor scales
Besides the natural minor scale, there are two other minor scales: the harmonic minor scale and the melodic minor scale.
Minor (Aeolian)
Here's the natural minor scale (Aeolian) again for reference.
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Melodic minor
The melodic minor scale ascends with a raised sixth and seventh degree, closely resembling the major scale but retaining a darker, more mysterious sound. Descending, it mirrors the natural minor scale, using the lowered sixth and seventh degrees to emphasize a classical minor tonality.
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Harmonic minor
Sounds a bit like the natural minor scale but with a slightly more exotic sound.
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Scale Generator
Do you want to see what different scales look like? Try our Scale Generator
