Music · Theory
Scale finder.
Pick a root note and a scale to see its notes spelled correctly, the scale degrees, and the whole-step and half-step pattern. Covers major, minor, the seven modes, pentatonic and blues.
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How do you find the notes of a scale?
A scale is a pattern of whole steps (W, two semitones) and half steps (H, one semitone) starting from a root. The major scale is W-W-H-W-W-W-H. The seven diatonic modes use the same pattern started from a different degree: Dorian is W-H-W-W-W-H-W, Phrygian H-W-W-W-H-W-W, Lydian W-W-W-H-W-W-H, Mixolydian W-W-H-W-W-H-W and Locrian H-W-W-H-W-W-W. Natural minor is the Aeolian mode, harmonic minor raises the seventh degree, and ascending melodic minor raises the sixth and seventh. The minor blues scale is 1, ♭3, 4, ♭5, 5, ♭7.
Worked example. D Dorian is D, E, F, G, A, B, C: the same notes as C major started on D. A minor pentatonic is A, C, D, E, G. This tool spells each note with a different letter name per degree (so F♯ major has E♯, not F), which is how scales are written on a staff. A root that would need double sharps or double flats, such as G♯ major, is flagged; use the enharmonic root (A♭ major) instead.
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of the D Dorian scale?
D, E, F, G, A, B, C. It has the same notes as C major, starting on D.
What are the notes of the A minor pentatonic scale?
A, C, D, E, G: the natural minor scale without its second and sixth degrees.
What is the difference between natural, harmonic and melodic minor?
Natural minor has no alterations. Harmonic minor raises the seventh degree. Ascending melodic minor raises both the sixth and the seventh degrees.
What is the blues scale?
The minor blues scale used here has six notes: 1, flat 3, 4, flat 5, 5 and flat 7. In A it is A, C, D, E-flat, E, G.
Why does the tool refuse G sharp major?
It would need an F double-sharp. Players use the enharmonic A-flat major instead, which has four flats rather than eight sharps.
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