What is a Scale? A Comprehensive Guide to Music Scales

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  May 3, 2022

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Scales are a set of musical notes ordered by ascending or descending frequency. They’re used to create melodies and harmonies. They’re also used to create chords.   

In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about scales.  I’ll also share some useful tips on how to practice them.  So let’s get started!

What is a scale

Background

If you’re a musician, producer, or audio engineer, understanding scales is crucial to improving your skills and making better music. Scales are the building blocks of musical structure, and learning them can help you in the following ways:

  • Improve your pitch control and accuracy
  • Understand chord progressions and how to match them with the right scale
  • Add depth and emotion to your songs by using different scales
  • Analyze and understand the fundamental frequency of your songs and beats
  • Help you write hit songs and stand out as a songwriter or producer

What is a Scale?

A scale is simply a set of ordered notes that span a specific pitch range. These notes are usually played in ascending or descending order and are based on a specific starting note called the “root” note. In Western music tradition, there are several types of scales, including:

  • Ionian (major)
  • Dorian
  • Phrygian
  • Lydian
  • Mixolydian
  • Aeolian (natural minor)
  • Locrian

Each of these scales has a different structure and can be used to create different emotions and moods in your music. In addition to these Western scales, there are also many different scales inspired by ancient and non-Western traditions, such as Japanese scales.

How to Learn Scales

Learning scales may seem like a technical and time-consuming task, but it’s actually quite simple and easy to get started. Here are some tips to help you learn scales:

  • Start with a single scale and practice it until you can play it smoothly and accurately
  • Use a handy list or chart to help you remember the notes in each scale
  • Try playing the scale in different keys to increase your skills and understanding
  • Spend time analyzing chord progressions and matching them with the right scale
  • Use examples from songs you like to help you understand how scales are used in music

The Ultimate Guide to Scales

If you want to take your scale knowledge to the next level, there are a lot of resources available to help you. Here are some of the best:

  • Online courses and tutorials
  • Books and guides
  • Music theory apps and software
  • Workshops and classes

By increasing your knowledge of scales and how to use them, you can take your music production, songwriting, and audio engineering skills to the next level.

The Relationship Between Scale and Melody in Music

Melody is the most basic element of music, consisting of a single line of notes played or sung in succession. A scale, on the other hand, is a set of notes arranged in a particular order and interval, forming the basis for creating melody. In Western music, the most commonly used scale is the equal-tempered scale, consisting of 12 notes arranged in a particular order and interval.

The Importance of Scale in Creating Melody

Scales are important in creating melody because they provide a set of notes that can be played in a particular order to create a musical line. The scale provides a framework for the melody, allowing the musician to know which notes will sound good together and which won’t. Additionally, scales can be used to create different moods and emotions in music, depending on the particular scale used.

The Role of Melody in Music Theory and Analysis

Melody is an important part of music theory and analysis because it is the most direct means of expressing musical ideas. By studying the melody of a piece of music, musicians can gain insight into the structure and function of the music as a whole. Melodic analysis can also reveal important information about the harmonic structure of a piece, including the chords and chord progressions used.

The Relationship Between Scale and Chord Progressions

In addition to creating melody, scales are also important in creating chord progressions. Chords are made up of multiple notes played simultaneously, and the notes in a chord are often taken from the same scale used to create the melody. By understanding the relationship between scales and chord progressions, musicians can create more complex and interesting musical compositions.

Resources for Learning More About Melody and Scale

If you’re interested in learning more about melody and scale, there are numerous resources available to help you get started. Some great places to start include:

  • Music theory textbooks and courses
  • Online tutorials and videos
  • Professional music teachers and instructors
  • Music analysis tools and software

By taking the time to study and practice the art of creating melody, you can become a master of this important part of the musical process and create great music that will be enjoyed by audiences around the world.

Types of Scales

The most common types of scales in Western music are major and minor scales. These scales consist of seven notes and are built using a specific pattern of whole steps and half steps. The major scale has a happy and uplifting sound, while the minor scale has a sad and melancholic sound.

  • Major scale: W-W-H-W-W-W-H (e.g. C major scale: C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C)
  • Natural minor scale: W-H-W-W-H-W-W (e.g. A minor scale: A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A)

Blues Scale

The blues scale is a type of scale commonly used in blues music. It includes the notes of the minor pentatonic scale, but adds a lowered fifth note, also known as the “blue note”. This scale creates a unique sound that is associated with blues music.

  • Blues scale: 1-b3-4-b5-5-b7 (e.g. E blues scale: E-G-A-Bb-B-D-E)

Harmonic and Melodic Minor Scales

The harmonic minor scale is a variation of the natural minor scale that raises the seventh note by a half step. This creates a unique sound that is commonly used in classical and modern music.

  • Harmonic minor scale: W-H-W-W-H-A-H (e.g. A harmonic minor scale: A-B-C-D-E-F-G#-A)

The melodic minor scale is another variation of the natural minor scale that raises the sixth and seventh notes by a half step when going up the scale, but uses the natural minor scale when going down the scale. This creates a different sound when going up and down the scale.

  • Melodic minor scale: W-H-W-W-W-W-H (e.g. F melodic minor scale: F-G-A-Bb-C-D-E-F)

Diatonic Scales

Diatonic scales are a group of scales that consist of seven notes and are built using a specific pattern of whole steps and half steps. They are commonly used in Western music and are the basis for many popular songs.

  • Major diatonic scale: W-W-H-W-W-W-H (e.g. G major scale: G-A-B-C-D-E-F#-G)
  • Natural minor diatonic scale: W-H-W-W-H-W-W (e.g. D minor scale: D-E-F-G-A-Bb-C-D)

Other Types of Scales

There are many other types of scales in music, each with their own unique sound and uses. Here are a few examples:

  • Pentatonic scale: a five-note scale commonly used in folk, country, and rock music.
  • Whole-tone scale: a six-note scale where each note is a whole step apart. This creates an extremely unique and dissonant sound.
  • Chromatic scale: a scale that includes all twelve notes in Western music. This scale is often used to create tension and dissonance in music.

It’s worth noting that some scales are associated with specific musical genres. For example, the pentatonic scale is commonly used in country and rock music, while the blues scale is associated with blues music.

When choosing a scale to use in a piece of music, it’s important to consider the mood and feel you want to create. Depending on the genre and style of music you’re working with, certain scales may be more suitable than others.

In summary, understanding the different types of scales and their unique characteristics can help you choose the right scale for your musical work.

Western Music

Western scales are a specific type of musical scale used in Western music. They are built on a set of specific steps or intervals between notes, which create a unique sound and feel. The most common type of Western scale is the major scale, which is built on a specific pattern of whole and half steps. Other common Western scales include the minor scale, pentatonic scale, and blues scale.

What are the Differences Between Western Scales?

There are several differences between the different types of Western scales. Some scales contain more notes than others, while others have a different pattern of whole and half steps. The major scale, for example, contains seven notes, while the pentatonic scale only contains five. The blues scale uses a combination of major and minor scales to create a unique sound.

Examples of Western Scales

Here are some examples of common Western scales:

  • Major scale: This is the most common Western scale and is used in many different types of music. It is built on a specific pattern of whole and half steps and contains seven notes.
  • Minor scale: This scale has a different pattern of whole and half steps than the major scale and has a more melancholy sound.
  • Pentatonic scale: This scale contains only five notes and is commonly used in blues and rock music.
  • Blues scale: This scale uses a combination of major and minor scales to create a unique sound that is commonly associated with blues music.

Understanding Note Names in Music Scales

When it comes to understanding music scales, it’s important to have a good grasp on note names. Each note in a scale is named according to its position within the scale, and there are a few key things to keep in mind:

  • The first note in a scale is called the “tonic” or “root” note.
  • The notes in a scale are named using the letters A through G.
  • After G, the sequence starts over again with A.
  • Each note can be followed by a sharp (#) or flat (b) symbol to indicate that it is raised or lowered by a half step.

The Order of Notes in a Scale

Best strings for electric guitar
Best strings for electric guitar

The order of notes in a scale is what gives it its unique sound and character. In Western music, scales are typically made up of seven notes arranged in a specific order. For example, the major scale follows this pattern:

  • Tonic
  • Major Second
  • Major Third
  • Perfect Fourth
  • Perfect Fifth
  • Major Sixth
  • Major Seventh

Applying Note Names to the Guitar

If you’re a beginner guitarist, learning note names can seem like an overwhelming task. However, there are a few things you can do to make it easier:

  • Remember that each fret on the guitar represents a half step.
  • Notes on the guitar are named according to their position on the string and the fret they appear on.
  • The open strings on the guitar are named (from lowest to highest) E, A, D, G, B, and E.
  • Each fret on the guitar represents a higher note, so if you start on the open E string and move up one fret, you’ll be playing an F note.

Alternative Note Systems

While Western music typically uses the seven-note system described above, there are other note systems used in different parts of the world. For example:

  • Chinese music uses a five-note scale.
  • Some ancient Greek music used a system of eight notes.
  • Jazz music often incorporates notes outside of the traditional Western scale, creating a more complex and varied sound.

Choosing the Right Scale

When it comes to choosing a scale for a specific piece of music, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • The key of the music will determine which scale is most appropriate.
  • Different scales have different functions and moods, so choose one that fits the desired tone of the piece.
  • Mixing different scales can create interesting and unique sounds, but it requires a good understanding of music theory.

Providing Note Names in Sheet Music

If you’re reading sheet music, note names will be provided in the form of letters written on the staff. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • The letters A through G are used to represent the different notes.
  • Upper case letters are used for notes that are higher in pitch, while lower case letters are used for notes that are lower in pitch.
  • A sharp or flat symbol appears after a note name to indicate that it is raised or lowered by a half step.
  • Chords are written using note names arranged in a specific order.

Recording and Mixing Notes

When recording and mixing music, note names are important for a few reasons:

  • They allow musicians to communicate about specific notes and parts of a song.
  • They help ensure that each instrument is playing the correct notes.
  • They make it easier to create harmonies and chord progressions.
  • Mixing different notes and scales can create interesting and complex sounds.

Transposition and Modulation in Music

Transposition is the process of changing the key of a piece of music. This means that all of the notes in the piece are shifted up or down by a certain number of steps in the musical scale. The key of a piece is the note that the piece is centered around, and changing the key can have a significant impact on the sound and feel of the piece.

Here are some things to know about transposition:

  • Transposition is commonly used in Western music to bring a piece into a more comfortable range for a particular instrument or singer.
  • Transposition can also be used to create a new sound or style for a piece of music.
  • The process of transposition involves shifting every note in the piece by the same number of steps in the scale.
  • The new key will have a different center note, but the relationships between the notes will remain the same.

Transposition and Modulation in Different Styles of Music

Transposition and modulation are important concepts in many different styles of music, from classical to jazz to pop. Here are some things to know about how these concepts are used in different styles:

  • In classical music, modulation is often used to create complex harmonic structures and to bring a sense of drama and tension to a piece.
  • In jazz music, modulation is used to create a sense of movement and to allow for improvisation and soloing.
  • In pop music, transposition is often used to make a piece easier to sing or play, while modulation is used to create a sense of excitement or to bring the piece to a new level.
  • In all styles of music, transposition and modulation are important tools for composers, arrangers, and performers to create new and interesting pieces of music.

Learning to Transpose and Modulate

If you want to master the art of transposition and modulation, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Start by learning the technical aspects of transposition and modulation, such as how to count steps in the scale and how to identify the new center note.
  • Practice transposing and modulating simple pieces of music, such as nursery rhymes or folk songs, to get a feel for the process.
  • As you become more advanced, try transposing and modulating more complex pieces of music, such as classical sonatas or jazz standards.
  • Notice the differences in sound and feel when you transpose or modulate a piece, and use these differences to bring new value to your performance.
  • Use tools like a microphone or recording software to hear the changes more effectively.
  • Let people know that you’re getting into transposition and modulation, and ask for feedback on your pieces.
  • Keep learning and experimenting with different types of scales and chords to bring new ideas to your playing.

Exploring Non-Western Scales in Music

When we talk about scales in music, we often think of the Western scales that we are most familiar with. However, there are many different types of scales used in music around the world. Non-Western scales are those that do not fit into the standard Western musical system, which is based on a set of 12 notes and a specific formula for constructing scales.

Differences from Western Scales

Non-Western scales can sound very different from the scales we are used to hearing in Western music. Here are a few key differences:

  • Unlike Western scales, which are based on a set of 12 notes, non-Western scales may have more or fewer notes.
  • Non-Western scales may use different types of steps, such as quarter tones or microtones, that are not found in Western music.
  • Non-Western scales may have different starting notes or may be ordered differently than Western scales.
  • Non-Western scales may have different uses or associations in the musical traditions where they are used.

Playback and Audio Support

If you want to hear what these non-Western scales sound like, there are plenty of resources available online. You can find videos and audio recordings that demonstrate different scales and how they are used in different musical traditions. Some resources even include playback tools that allow you to hear the scales and experiment with them yourself.

Natural Scales

The formation of a natural scale follows a specific formula of whole steps and half steps. The pattern of steps is as follows:

  • Whole step
  • Whole step
  • Half step
  • Whole step
  • Whole step
  • Whole step
  • Half step

This pattern of steps is what gives the natural scale its unique sound and character. The distance between adjacent notes in a natural scale is either a whole step or a half step.

What are the degrees of a Natural Scale?

The natural scale has seven degrees, each named after a letter of the alphabet. The degrees of a natural scale are:

  • First degree (also called the tonic)
  • Second degree
  • Third degree
  • Fourth degree
  • Fifth degree
  • Sixth degree
  • Seventh degree

The lowest note in a natural scale is called the tonic, and it is the note from which the scale takes its name. For example, a natural scale starting on the note C is called the C natural scale.

What is the difference between Natural and other types of Scales?

The natural scale is just one of many types of scales used in music. Some other common types of scales include:

  • Major scale
  • Minor scale
  • Chromatic scale
  • Pentatonic scale

The main difference between these scales and the natural scale is the pattern of steps they follow. For example, the major scale follows a pattern of whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step. The minor scale follows a different pattern of steps.

Conclusion

So there you have it, everything you need to know about scales in music. Scale is a set of musical notes arranged in ascending or descending order to create a musical line or phrase. It’s a basic element of music that provides a framework for melody. So, if you’re just starting out, don’t be afraid to dive in and give it a try!

I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.

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