Topic outline

  • Welcome!

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    With this course you can practise:

    • Major and minor scales and keys

    Recommended to study before this course:

    • Notes 1A-D

  • Major scale and key

    Major scale consists of whole and half steps. This example is in C major.


    When a major scale starts from another pitch the same structure is achieved by accidentals (sharps and flats)

    G major


    D major


    F major


    Bb major



    Key signature

    The key signature is placed after the clef indication at the beginning of a staff. 

    Key signatures from left to right: C major, G major, D major, F major and Bb major. Accidentals in a key signature always apply to any octave.

           

  • Minor scale (natural)

    Relative keys are the major and minor scales that have the same key signatures. A pair of major and minor scales sharing the same key signature are said to be in a relative relationship. The minor key starts third below its relative major. 

    A minor is third below its relative, C major.



    Other relative keys:

    • G major and E minor (one sharp, 1 #)
    • D major and B minor (2 #)
    • F major and D minor (1 b)
    • Bb major and G minor (2 b)


    Compare major and minor scales starting on the same pitch:

    • D major (D E F# G A B C# D)
    • D minor (D E F G A Bb C D)

    The most noticeable difference is the 3rd note (major third vs. minor third).