Major Scales
The major scale is the most fundamental pattern in Western music. This week you will learn its whole-step/half-step formula, build major scales in several keys, and start training your ear to recognize the major scale sound.
Learning Goals
Lesson Content
The Major Scale Formula
Every major scale follows the same pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H):
W - W - H - W - W - W - H
Starting from any note and following this pattern gives you the major scale in that key.
Building Major Scales
- C Major: C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C (all white keys)
- G Major: G - A - B - C - D - E - F# - G (one sharp)
- D Major: D - E - F# - G - A - B - C# - D (two sharps)
- F Major: F - G - A - Bb - C - D - E - F (one flat)
Scale Degrees
Each note in a scale has a number (degree). The 1st degree is the tonic (home note), the 5th is the dominant, and the 7th is the leading tone which pulls back to the tonic. Understanding these roles is key to hearing how melodies work.
The "Sound" of Major
Major scales sound bright, happy, and resolved. Think of "Happy Birthday" or "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" — both are built on major scales.
Practice Activities
Activity 1: Play Major Scales
On the Synthesizer, play C Major, G Major, D Major, and F Major scales ascending and descending. Use the metronome at 60 BPM and play one note per beat. Say the note names as you play.
Activity 2: Scale Ear Training
Open the Scale Identification game on Beginner difficulty. At this level you will hear major and minor scales. Focus on recognizing the bright, happy sound of the major scale.
Activity 3: Note Reading in Key
Practice Note Reading in G Major and D Major to see how key signatures place sharps on the staff automatically. Try both Treble and Bass clef.
Activity 4: Scale Reading Drill
Open the Scale Reading game on Beginner and practice reading scales on the staff. This connects your knowledge of scale patterns with sight-reading on sheet music.