For example, C minor has the same key signature as E flat major, since E flat is a minor third higher than C. It’s much easier to remember 4-note patterns than 7 or 8-note patterns, so breaking it down into two parts can be very helpful. The sequence of intervals between the notes of a major scale is: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half. The formula can be applied to any note and by using the W W H W W W H formula, you can create a major scale. It is important to keep track of the musical terms you are learning. The degrees of the scale (roman numerals) are used to specify chord progressions. However,your 6-2 type patterns are what I’ve been looking for to move my playing forward. Therefore, we need to flat the B to make it a half step. Whole Step 5. A key has two components: a tonal center and some sort of scale, or set of pitches used for creating harmony and melody., a choice to use a pattern of seven notes forming a set called the major scale. Thank you for the insight. Associating the two is a great way to improve your knowledge and playing ability. From C to D is a whole step, 2. You will notice that I have included a chord form name. W - W - H - W - W - W - H. Using this formula, say we wanted to figure out the C major scale. First start with the root note, C, and follow the formula: A whole step from C is D. A whole step from D is E. A half step from E is F. A whole step from F is G. A whole step from G is A. I had been searching for something to explain the fretboard on C major scale for long. I think this is one of the best ways to learn the step-pattern. Play a chord then play the box pattern associated with that chord form. Sing them if you can. Lets build one in G. A whole step from G is A. 6-4 means that you should start with your pinky finger instead. There are whole steps between A-B, C-D, D-E, F-G, G-A and half steps between B-C, E-F. Accidentals allow for more flexibility with these notes. Thank you for the kind words. To maintain a half step, we must use accidentals. A scale is simply a set of notes arranged in order of pitch. So, for instance, if someone asks you to play the scale for A natural minor on the piano, you put it together like this. Thank you for your kind words. From F to G is a whole step, 5. I want to help you become a better guitarist. Major Scale Formula: Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half. I’m glad you enjoyed the article. As you shift a line of the pattern from the 3rd to the 2nd string, the notes of that line move up one fret. https://www.guitarlessonworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/naturalnoteintervals.mp3, https://www.guitarlessonworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/cmajorscale.mp3, https://www.guitarlessonworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/fmajorscale.mp3, https://www.guitarlessonworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/fmajorscale_sixthstring.mp3, https://www.guitarlessonworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/cmajorscale_upthescale.mp3, https://www.guitarlessonworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/cmajorscale-1.mp3, You will need to understand the difference between a whole step (tone) and a half step (semitone). Each major scale is related to a major key. Major scales are built on a specific pattern of half-step and whole-step intervals. Scales are always spelled in alphabetic note order. D is the submediant. I recommend the following ordered approach to practicing it. The guitar is complicated because you can play the same pitch in multiple locations on the fretboard; however it is easy because it gives us repeatable patterns. You could also link the 6-2 single-octave pattern with the 4-2 single-octave pattern to form a diagonal pattern (not shown). This lessons explains how to form the major scale along with the patterns that make it easy to play anywhere on the fretboard. In this case it is a flat. Your email address will not be published. Posted by byondssj4justdale on January 29, 2012. There is a formula for forming this scale and any other major scale. Also, notice that lower-case numerals indicate minor chords. A whole step is exactly 1/6 of an octave, or 2 semitones. Will need to know a few things before continuing whole tones ) and two half steps the... In… W = whole step up from E to F is G. a whole tone single black note and note. 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