What is the major scale?

Q: What is the major scale?

The major scale is a seven-note scale built from the step pattern whole–whole–half–whole–whole–whole–half. In C it's the white keys, C to C, and it's the reference point every other scale is described against.

Coming soon

The major scale is a seven-note scale built from the pattern whole–whole–half–whole–whole–whole–half. In C it's the white keys, C to C, and it's the reference point every other scale is described against.

Quick reference

Formula: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7
In C: C – D – E – F – G – A – B

Explore all scales

A playable keyboard that lights up these notes — and an A/B comparison with related scales — is being built, so you can hear the scale, not just read its formula.