Simple Steps To Learning Major Scales (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

To play a flat scale (ex: Ab), take the name of the scale (Ab) and add one

more flat to your key signature. Remember to start with Bb and go one flat

past the scale name. For the Ab scale your key signature would include Bb,

Eb, Ab and Db. Start on Ab and play up 8 notes thinking diatonically

(alphabetically) using this key signature (play: Ab, Bb, C Db, Eb, F, G, Ab).

NEXT: MEMORIZE THESE TWO SCALES: the C scale has no flats or sharps

in the key signature. The F scale has a Bb in the key signature. These are

exceptions to the rule below.

For all other scales (scales that do not have a flat in their name and NOT

the C or F scales) do the following:

o Go to the sharp immediately below the scale name and consider it the

final sharp in the scale’s key signature. Remember to start with F#

(Four Cops Got Donuts At Ed’s Bakery). Example: For the A scale,

the sharp immediately below would be G#. So the key signature for

the A scale would include F#, C# and G#.

o To play the scale, start on A and go up diatonically (alphabetically) 8

notes using this key signature (play: A, B, C#, D E, F#, G#, A).

FIGURING OUT “CONCERT PITCH”

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

musicians refer to scales in CONCERT pitch.

So when you are asked to play a CONCERT C scale, what note do you start on?

That's easy!

If you play flute, oboe, trombone, baritone, tuba or mallets you start on the

CONCERT pitch, in this case you will start on C.

If you play clarinet, trumpet or tenor sax count C as 1 and go up alphabetically to 2.

C = 1

D = 2

Start on D

If you play French horn count C as 1 and go up alphabetically to 5.

C = 1

D = 2

E = 3

F = 4

G = 5

Start on G

If you play the alto sax count C as 1 and go up alphabetically to 6.

C = 1

D = 2

E = 3

F = 4

G = 5 A = 6 Start on A

Simple Steps To Learning Major Scales Page 2