Interactive Scale Explorer
Scales are the building blocks of melody and harmony. Choose a key and scale type to see the notes on the keyboard and in sheet music notation.
C Major
Bright, happy sound. The most common scale in Western music.
What is a Scale?
A scale is an ordered sequence of notes. It provides the raw material for melodies and establishes the tonal center of a piece of music.
Whole & Half Steps
Scales are defined by their pattern of whole steps (W = 2 semitones) and half steps (H = 1 semitone). This pattern gives each scale its unique sound.
Practice Tips
Practice scales ascending and descending. Start slow, focus on even timing, and gradually increase speed. Try playing in different octaves.
Scale Reference
Common scales and their interval patterns. Click any scale to explore it above.
| Scale | Formula | Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Major | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 | W-W-H-W-W-W-H |
| Natural Minor | 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 | W-H-W-W-H-W-W |
| Harmonic Minor | 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7 | W-H-W-W-H-3H-H |
| Pentatonic Major | 1 2 3 5 6 | W-W-3H-W-3H |
| Pentatonic Minor | 1 b3 4 5 b7 | 3H-W-W-3H-W |
| Blues | 1 b3 4 b5 5 b7 | 3H-W-H-H-3H-W |
| Dorian | 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7 | W-H-W-W-W-H-W |
| Mixolydian | 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7 | W-W-H-W-W-H-W |
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