1.3 Scales and key signatures
6 min read•august 20, 2024
Scales and key signatures are the building blocks of Western music. They provide the foundation for melodies, harmonies, and chord progressions. Understanding these elements is crucial for musicians to create and interpret music effectively.
Major and minor scales, with their distinct patterns of whole and half steps, shape the emotional character of music. Key signatures simplify notation by indicating which notes should be consistently sharp or flat. These concepts are essential for reading and composing music.
Major vs minor scales
- Major and minor scales are the two main types of scales used in Western music
- Major scales have a bright, happy sound while minor scales have a darker, more melancholic sound
- The difference between major and minor scales lies in the specific pattern of whole and half steps used to construct them
- Major scales follow a pattern of whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half (W-W-H-W-W-W-H)
- Natural minor scales follow a pattern of whole-half-whole-whole-half-whole-whole (W-H-W-W-H-W-W)
Diatonic scales
- Diatonic scales are scales that include five whole steps and two half steps within an octave
- The most common diatonic scales are major and natural minor scales
- Diatonic scales are the foundation for much of Western music and are used to create melodies, harmonies, and chord progressions
Whole vs half steps
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- Whole steps and half steps are the building blocks of scales
- A is the distance between two notes that are two semitones apart (C to D)
- A is the distance between two notes that are one semitone apart (C to C#)
- The specific pattern of whole and half steps determines the type of scale being used
Scale degrees and solfège
- are the names given to each note in a scale based on its position
- The first note is called the , the second note is the supertonic, and so on
- Solfège is a system of syllables used to represent scale degrees (do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti)
- Understanding scale degrees and solfège helps with ear training, sight-singing, and music theory
Chromatic scale
- The includes all twelve notes within an octave
- It consists of a series of half steps, with no whole steps
- The chromatic scale is often used in musical passages that move by half step or in atonal music
- It is also used as a reference point for understanding other scales and their relationships
Key signatures
- Key signatures are the sets of or placed at the beginning of a musical staff
- They indicate which notes should be consistently played as sharps or flats throughout a piece
- Key signatures are determined by the scale being used and help simplify notation by avoiding the need for accidentals
Circle of fifths
- The is a visual representation of the relationships between keys
- It shows the progression of key signatures moving clockwise by ascending perfect fifths
- The circle of fifths is a useful tool for understanding key relationships, transposition, and modulation
Sharps vs flats
- Sharps raise a note by a half step, while flats lower a note by a half step
- The order of sharps in key signatures is: F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#, B#
- The order of flats in key signatures is: Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb, Fb
Relative keys
- are pairs of major and minor keys that share the same key signature
- The relative minor of a major key is located a minor third (three half steps) below the major key
- For example, A minor is the relative minor of C major, as they both have no sharps or flats in their key signatures
Parallel keys
- are pairs of major and minor keys that share the same tonic note
- The parallel minor of a major key has the same tonic but uses the natural instead
- For example, C major and C minor are parallel keys, as they share the same tonic (C) but have different key signatures
Modes
- are scales that are derived from the by starting on a different scale degree
- Each mode has a unique sound and character due to the specific pattern of whole and half steps
- Modes are often used in jazz, folk, and classical music to create different moods and colors
Ionian and Aeolian
- mode is another name for the major scale, starting on the first scale degree
- mode is another name for the natural minor scale, starting on the sixth scale degree
- These two modes are the most commonly used in Western music and form the basis for major and minor tonality
Other church modes
- The other church modes include , , , , and
- Each mode starts on a different scale degree of the major scale and has a unique pattern of whole and half steps
- Dorian (second degree): W-H-W-W-W-H-W
- Phrygian (third degree): H-W-W-W-H-W-W
- Lydian (fourth degree): W-W-W-H-W-W-H
- Mixolydian (fifth degree): W-W-H-W-W-H-W
- Locrian (seventh degree): H-W-W-H-W-W-W
Pentatonic scales
- Pentatonic scales are scales that consist of five notes per octave
- They are found in many musical traditions around the world and are often used in popular music, folk, and blues
- Pentatonic scales have a distinctive sound due to the absence of semitones, which creates a more open and less dissonant sound
Major pentatonic
- The major is derived from the major scale by removing the fourth and seventh scale degrees
- It consists of the notes: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 (in scale degrees)
- The major pentatonic scale is commonly used in rock, pop, and country music for melodies, riffs, and improvisations
Minor pentatonic
- The minor pentatonic scale is derived from the natural minor scale by removing the second and sixth scale degrees
- It consists of the notes: 1, b3, 4, 5, b7 (in scale degrees)
- The minor pentatonic scale is frequently used in blues, rock, and metal music for melodies, solos, and improvisations
Whole tone scale
- The is a symmetrical scale that consists entirely of whole steps
- It has a distinctive, dreamlike sound due to the absence of half steps and the equal spacing between notes
- The whole tone scale is often used in impressionistic music (Debussy) and in jazz for creating tension and ambiguity
Octatonic scale
- The , also known as the diminished scale, is a symmetrical scale that alternates between whole and half steps
- There are two types of octatonic scales: whole-half (W-H-W-H-W-H-W-H) and half-whole (H-W-H-W-H-W-H-W)
- Octatonic scales are often used in classical music (Stravinsky), jazz, and film scores for creating dissonance, tension, and a sense of instability
Transposing scales
- Transposing scales means changing the key of a scale while maintaining its structure
- This is useful for playing music in different keys, accommodating the range of different instruments or voices, and creating variety in compositions
Transposing instruments
- Some instruments, such as the clarinet, saxophone, and trumpet, are known as
- These instruments read music in a different key than the actual pitch that sounds
- Understanding transposing instruments is essential for arranging, orchestrating, and playing in ensembles
Transposing by interval
- Scales can be transposed by moving each note up or down by a specific interval
- Common intervals for transposition include perfect fifths (7 semitones), perfect fourths (5 semitones), and major thirds (4 semitones)
- is a useful skill for musicians to master, as it allows them to quickly adapt to different keys and play with others
Scale applications
- Scales form the foundation for melodies, harmonies, and improvisations in music
- Understanding scales and their properties is essential for composers, performers, and improvisers across various genres
Melodies and harmonies
- Scales provide the pitch material for creating melodies and harmonies
- By selecting notes from a specific scale, composers can create melodies that fit within a desired key and convey a particular mood
- Chords and harmonic progressions are also built using the notes of scales, following established rules and patterns
Improvisation techniques
- Scales are essential tools for improvisation, as they provide a framework for creating melodies and solos on the spot
- Musicians often practice scales in different keys and patterns to develop their technical skills and melodic vocabulary
- Improvisation techniques, such as playing scales over chord changes, using scale fragments, and incorporating chromaticism, help musicians create expressive and dynamic solos
Key Terms to Review (34)
Aeolian: Aeolian refers to the sixth mode of the diatonic scale, commonly known as the natural minor scale. It is characterized by a specific sequence of whole and half steps that create a distinct sound. The Aeolian mode serves as the foundation for many musical compositions and is closely tied to the concepts of scales and key signatures, showcasing its importance in both tonal and modal contexts.
Chord Progression: A chord progression is a series of chords played in a sequence that creates the harmonic foundation for a piece of music. These progressions define the movement and emotional tone of a piece, and understanding them involves knowing how scales, intervals, and harmonization work together to shape the overall sound.
Chromatic scale: A chromatic scale is a musical scale that consists of all twelve pitches within an octave, represented by each semitone. This scale includes both the white and black keys on a piano, moving in half-step increments. The chromatic scale serves as a foundation for understanding more complex scales and key signatures, highlighting the relationship between notes and enhancing melodic and harmonic creativity.
Circle of Fifths: The Circle of Fifths is a visual representation of the relationships between the twelve tones of the chromatic scale, their corresponding key signatures, and the associated major and minor scales. This tool helps musicians understand how keys relate to one another, facilitates modulation between keys, and supports the construction and analysis of harmonic progressions and triads.
Clef: A clef is a musical symbol placed at the beginning of a staff to indicate the pitch of the notes written on it. Clefs help musicians understand which notes correspond to which lines and spaces on the staff, establishing a foundation for reading music accurately. Different clefs serve various instruments and voice types, playing a vital role in pitch notation, scales, and sight-singing techniques.
Diatonic Scale: A diatonic scale is a seven-note musical scale that consists of five whole steps and two half steps in a specific pattern. This scale forms the basis of Western music theory and is fundamental in establishing key signatures, as it defines the set of pitches used within a key, allowing for the creation of melodies and harmonies.
Dominant: In music, the term dominant refers to the fifth scale degree of a diatonic scale, and it plays a crucial role in establishing harmonic tension and resolution within musical compositions. The dominant chord is built on this fifth degree, creating a strong pull back to the tonic, which is the first degree of the scale. This relationship is essential in understanding chord progressions, harmonic dictation, and overall tonal structure.
Dorian: Dorian is a musical mode that is characterized by a specific pattern of whole and half steps, creating a distinct sound that is often described as minor but with a raised sixth scale degree. This mode can be derived from the major scale, starting on the second degree, and has a unique tonal quality that makes it popular in various music styles, from jazz to folk. Understanding Dorian helps in recognizing its place within scales and key signatures, as well as its role among other modes.
Flats: Flats are musical symbols that lower the pitch of a note by a half step, signified by a small 'b' placed before the note. They play a crucial role in defining scales and key signatures, as they indicate which notes should be altered in a specific musical context. Understanding flats is essential for recognizing different tonalities and accurately performing music that requires these adjustments.
Half Step: A half step, also known as a semitone, is the smallest interval in Western music, representing the distance between two adjacent keys on a piano keyboard. It plays a crucial role in defining pitch and is foundational in the construction of scales, key signatures, and intervals.
Interval: An interval is the distance between two pitches, measured in terms of the number of half steps or whole steps that separate them. This concept is fundamental in music, as it helps define melodies, harmonies, and chords, connecting with notation and scales to create musical structures. Intervals can also be classified into different types, such as major, minor, perfect, augmented, or diminished, which further shapes the sound and emotion of a piece of music.
Ionian: Ionian refers to a major musical scale, specifically the first mode of the diatonic scale, which is characterized by its bright and happy sound. This scale is identical to the major scale and is built using the whole and half step pattern of whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half. The Ionian mode serves as a foundational element in Western music theory and plays a crucial role in establishing tonality and key signatures.
Key Modulation: Key modulation is the process of changing from one key to another within a piece of music. This shift can create contrast, tension, and a sense of movement, allowing composers to explore different emotional landscapes and tonal colors throughout their compositions. Understanding key modulation is essential as it influences the overall structure, harmonies, and melodies, enhancing the musical narrative.
Key Signature Notation: Key signature notation is a musical symbol that appears at the beginning of a staff, indicating the key of a piece of music by specifying which notes are sharp or flat. This notation helps musicians understand the tonal center and scale used in a composition, influencing how they interpret and perform the music. Understanding key signatures is essential for recognizing scales, intervals, and harmonies within the music.
Locrian: Locrian is a musical mode that is the seventh scale degree of the major scale. It is characterized by its diminished fifth and minor second intervals, giving it a unique sound that is often described as unstable or dissonant. This mode plays a significant role in the understanding of scales and key signatures as well as the broader context of modal music, where it is one of the seven modes derived from the diatonic scale.
Lydian: Lydian is a musical mode characterized by a major scale with a raised fourth degree, creating a unique and bright sound. This mode offers a distinct flavor compared to other major modes due to the interval between the third and raised fourth, which adds tension and potential for melodic creativity. The Lydian mode is often used in various genres of music to evoke a sense of wonder or ethereal quality.
Major Scale: A major scale is a diatonic scale that consists of seven distinct notes and follows a specific pattern of whole and half steps, producing a bright and happy sound. The major scale serves as the foundation for many musical concepts, including key signatures, harmony, and melody, influencing sight-singing techniques, the understanding of scale degrees, and improvisation.
Minor scale: A minor scale is a seven-note musical scale that creates a darker, more somber sound compared to its major counterpart, characterized by specific intervals that define its unique emotional quality. The natural minor scale follows the pattern of whole and half steps: whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole. This scale's structure influences key signatures, provides the basis for sight-singing, establishes scale degree names and functions, and is essential for practicing scales and arpeggios.
Mixolydian: Mixolydian is a musical mode characterized by a major scale with a lowered seventh degree. This mode is often used in various genres, particularly in folk, rock, and jazz music, providing a distinct sound that blends major tonalities with a hint of bluesy or modal flavor. It serves as one of the seven traditional modes derived from the diatonic scale, and understanding its structure and application is crucial for analyzing musical compositions.
Modes: Modes are specific types of scales that create different musical atmospheres by altering the arrangement of whole and half steps. Each mode has a unique sequence of intervals, resulting in distinct emotional qualities and sounds. They serve as essential tools for musicians in both composition and improvisation, allowing for exploration beyond traditional major and minor scales.
Octatonic Scale: The octatonic scale is a symmetrical scale that consists of eight distinct pitches, typically arranged in a repeating pattern of whole and half steps. This scale can be organized in two main forms: the whole-half diminished scale and the half-whole diminished scale. These scales are often used in various musical styles to create tension and ambiguity, and they play a significant role in the harmonic language of 20th-century music.
Parallel Keys: Parallel keys are pairs of keys that share the same tonic note but differ in their mode, such as major and minor. This relationship creates a unique harmonic connection, allowing composers to shift between these keys while maintaining the same tonal center. Understanding parallel keys is essential for grasping key signatures and modulations in music.
Pentatonic Scale: A pentatonic scale is a musical scale consisting of five notes per octave, which creates a distinct and often pleasing sound. This scale is widely used across various musical genres and cultures, allowing for easy melodic construction, improvisation, and sight-singing due to its simple interval structure. Its popularity stems from the absence of semitones, which minimizes dissonance and makes it accessible for musicians and singers alike.
Phrygian: Phrygian is a musical mode that originates from the ancient Greek system of modes, characterized by its unique scale structure and tonal qualities. It is the third mode of the major scale, built on the third degree, and has a distinct sound often described as dark or exotic, making it a popular choice in various music styles, including flamenco and metal.
Relative Keys: Relative keys are pairs of major and minor keys that share the same key signature, meaning they contain the same notes but start on different tonic notes. The relative minor key is always a minor third below its relative major key, which creates a close musical relationship between the two, allowing composers to move seamlessly between them in their compositions.
Scale Degrees: Scale degrees refer to the individual notes within a scale, numbered according to their position relative to the tonic, or the first note of the scale. Each scale degree plays a specific role in establishing the scale's overall sound and function, influencing harmony, melody, and musical structure. Understanding scale degrees is essential for recognizing patterns in music and aids in various areas such as composition and improvisation.
Scale Harmony: Scale harmony refers to the relationship between notes in a scale and how they interact to create a sense of consonance or dissonance. It plays a crucial role in establishing the overall tonal structure of music, influencing how melodies and harmonies are constructed within specific key signatures. Understanding scale harmony helps musicians recognize how different notes can work together to create emotional and musical effects.
Sharps: Sharps are musical symbols used to indicate that a note should be raised by a half step (semitone) from its natural pitch. This alteration plays a crucial role in defining scales and key signatures, allowing for a wider range of musical expression and the ability to create different tonalities.
Tonic: The tonic is the first note of a scale and serves as the home base or central pitch around which the other notes in the scale revolve. It establishes the tonal center, providing a sense of resolution and stability in music, and is crucial for understanding scales, harmonies, and chord progressions.
Transposing a Scale: Transposing a scale involves changing the pitch of a scale while maintaining the same interval structure. This means shifting the notes of the scale up or down by a consistent amount, effectively changing the key but preserving the relationships between the notes. This process is essential for musicians to adapt music for different instruments or vocal ranges and is closely tied to understanding scales and key signatures.
Transposing by interval: Transposing by interval involves changing the pitch of a piece of music by a specific distance, or interval, while maintaining its relative structure. This means that if you move every note up or down by a certain number of steps in the scale, you can create a version of the piece in a different key. Understanding how to transpose by interval is crucial for musicians when adapting pieces for different instruments or vocal ranges, and it connects closely with scales and key signatures since each key has its own set of pitches.
Transposing Instruments: Transposing instruments are musical instruments that sound a different pitch than the written note when played. This means that when a musician reads a note written in the score, the pitch they produce may not match that of concert pitch, which is the standard reference pitch for tuning. Understanding transposing instruments is crucial for musicians, especially when working with ensembles or orchestras where different instruments may be in different keys.
Whole step: A whole step, also known as a whole tone, is the distance between two pitches that are two half steps apart. This concept is essential in understanding musical scales and intervals, as it helps in constructing major and minor scales and recognizing the spacing of notes within them. Whole steps play a crucial role in pitch notation and are fundamental in the context of the movable-do system used for solfège.
Whole Tone Scale: The whole tone scale is a musical scale consisting entirely of whole steps, which creates a dreamy and ambiguous sound. It is constructed by taking a series of notes where each note is separated by a whole step, resulting in six distinct notes within one octave. This scale can be seen as a departure from traditional scales that rely on half steps, thus providing a unique harmonic landscape that can be applied in various musical contexts.