Major Scales
C is the "Natural Major Scale"
since it doesn't require accidentals for the half steps to be in the right
places.
If we want to build a major scale starting on a different pitch we must
use accidentals to keep the half and whole steps in the right position.
For example:
If we start on G:
G A B C D E F G
The half steps still fall between B-C and E-F but these are the 3-4th
and 6-7th scale degrees.
Major scales have half steps between 3-4 and 7-8,
not 6-7.
To fix this problem we must raise the F by one half step to F-sharp.
This results in half steps between B-C and F-sharp to G and whole steps
between the other steps- a major scale.
Using accidentals, a major scale can be built on any note and keeping
half steps between 3-4 and 7-8 and whole steps between the other scale
degrees.
HOME
|