Major And Minor Scale Theory
Used as the basis of most types of popular music, major and minor scales are an important concept to grasp for musicians and songwriters of all sorts. Just being able to play the scales is not enough, you need to be able to understand them and implement them in different situations. This lesson will show you the notes and chords that they are composed of, and how they relate to one another.
If you are unfamiliar with basic music theory it is recommended that you read these lessons first: intervals and notes, key signatures.
The major scale is constructed from seven different notes, and an octave of the first note. A C major scale would look like this:
C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C
The notes that make up this and any other major scale follow this formula (W = whole step, H = half step):
W-W-H-W-W-W-H
So for example, the D major scale, which would inherit the sharp notes from the key of D, would contain the notes D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D. Scales are also composed of chords. The formula for the chords in a major scale is:
I – ii – iii – IV – V – vi – vii dim – I
Scale chords are expressed in roman numerals, as you can see above. Uppercase numerals represent major chords and lowercase represent minor. Note that the seventh chord, written vii dim, indicates a diminished chord. So for the C major scale, the first chord would be C major, followed by D minor, followed by E minor, and so on.
Now we will look at the minor scale. An easy way to figure out the relative minor scale of a major scale is to count up six steps within the scale. Whatever note is the sixth step is your minor scale root. In the case of C major this would be the note A. The A minor scale would look like this:
A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A
Minor scales follow a different formula of whole and half steps:
W-H-W-W-H-W-W
Even though this is a different order of steps, keep in mind that it is just the major scale order starting at a different point. The chords that make up a minor scale are:
I – ii dim – III – iv – v – VI – VII – I
The minor scale we have been looking at is the natural minor scale, there are other types that wont be covered here. Knowing the chords and notes that make up these scales can help you with writing chord progressions in certain keys and can help you understand improvising within keys. If you plan on studying more complex music theory, or learning different styles of guitar playing that rely on advanced theory, this knowledge will prove to be essential.
September 25 2007 12:13 pm | Guitar Theory