How to Read Music (The Major Scale)

In our last installment of How To Read Music (The Notes), we covered the notes as they appear on a music staff.

This time we will cover something a bit more euphonic: the major scale.

As we previously discussed, the chromatic scale is a series of tones representing all notes. Each interval in the chromatic scale is of equal distance and referred to as a semitone or half-step. From here, we can get a bit more creative with the subdivisions used to develop a new formula.

The major scale (Ionian mode) is considered the first scale in a series of seven church modes. It is distinctive in its bright and lively character. It conveys the sound of enthusiasm and happiness.

Things You'll Need

• Eyes
• Ears
• An open mind

Instructions

1. 

   The major scale is broken down in terms of whole-steps (two semitones) and half-steps (semitone).

   If we use the letter W to indicate a whole step and a leeter H to indicate a half-step the formula reads like this:

   W - W - H - W - W - W - H

   If we were to begin with the note C the scale would be spelled like this: C,D,E,F,G,A,B,C

   The notes would start from the note C and span the length to the next octave ending on note C.

2. 

   Now, we can incorporate the sharp sign (#) into the scale.

   If we were to begin with the note A to systematically create our major scale it will include a three sharp notes and looks like this:

   A,B,C#,D,E,F#,G,A

   It is obvious that the note names are different from the C major scale, but are nonetheless, derived from the same system. The differences being a "tonal" distinction and moving down in order of pitch.

3. 

   One thing to note is the addition of the sharp signs added to the staff to the right of the treble clef. This is refered to as the key signature.

   The sharps are relative to those found in a particular major scale. Upon first glance, just knowing which note name contains which sharps you will be able to immediately determine which key to play.

   The sharps will appear in the same order in all key signatures.

Tips & Warnings

• The sharp sign was traditionally used to indicate an ascending note or scale. Though it is often used to describe a particular note in a given scale, it is not uncommon for a performer to prefer a sharp in favor of a flat, when spelling the scale.