Simple Steps To Learning Major Scales printable pdf download

Simple Steps To Learning Major Scales

Simple Steps to Learning Major Scales

BASICS

Knowing how scales are constructed takes the drudgery out of practicing because

you’ll be able to engage both your mind and your fingers. Here are the simple rules:

1. A major scale has 8 notes (OCTAVE means 8).

2. All major scales are constructed diatonically (alphabetically). The note A is

followed by B (then C – D – E – F – G – A). When master musicians look at a

pitch they comprehend note name, fingering and sound as one. Work to develop

this skill.

3. Each scale has its own unique key signature. We know that key signatures carry

through the full scale. The 12 major scales start on 12 different notes, using

12 different key signatures however, all major scales have the same “Do –

Re – Mi” melody. This makes it easy to tell when you hit a wrong note!

4. Scales get their name from the FIRST note. As a time saver, Band Directors

and musicians refer to scales using CONCERT pitch (ex.: Concert Bb scale). –

See the next page for more on how to figure this out.

KEY SIGNATURE RULES

Attaching the correct KEY SIGNATURE to a scale is the “KEY” to success.

Here are some simple tricks.

FLATS always appear in your key signature in this order: BEADGCF (think

the word BEAD and “Greatest Common Factor”).

SHARPS always appear in the reverse order: FCGDAEB (think “Four Cops

Got Donuts At Ed’s Bakery”).

FLATS and SHARPS will never appear together in a key signature.

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Simple Steps To Learning Major Scales