Music Scale Calculator
Calculate the notes in any musical scale. Understand scale construction and patterns for different scale types.
C Major Scale
C - D - E - F - G - A - B
Notes: CDEFGAB
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the root note of the scale (the note the scale starts from).
- Choose the scale type (Major, Minor, Pentatonic, Blues, Modal, etc.).
- The calculator displays all the notes in that scale.
- Use this to learn scales, understand music theory, or find scale patterns for your instrument.
Scale Construction
Scales are built using specific interval patterns:
Natural Minor: W-H-W-W-H-W-W
Harmonic Minor: W-H-W-W-H-A2-H (augmented 2nd)
Pentatonic Major: W-W-m3-W-m3
Pentatonic Minor: m3-W-W-m3-W
Blues: m3-W-H-H-m3-W
Example: C Major scale = C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C. C Natural Minor = C-D-Eb-F-G-Ab-Bb-C.
Full Description
Musical scales are the foundation of melody and harmony. A scale is a sequence of notes arranged in ascending or descending order, following a specific pattern of intervals. Scales provide the notes that sound good together and form the basis for chords, melodies, and improvisation. Understanding scales is essential for any musician.
The most common scales are major and minor, but there are many others. Pentatonic scales (5 notes) are common in folk and blues music. Blues scales add a "blue note" for expressive playing. Modal scales (Dorian, Phrygian, etc.) provide different harmonic colors. Each scale has a unique sound and emotional quality.
This calculator helps you understand and calculate scales in any key. Select a root note and scale type, and it shows all the notes in that scale. Use it to learn music theory, find scale patterns for your instrument, understand harmony, or explore different musical colors. Scales are fundamental to understanding music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a musical scale?
A scale is a sequence of notes arranged in ascending or descending order. Scales provide the foundation for melody and harmony. The most common scales are major and minor, but there are many others including pentatonic, blues, and modal scales.
What's the difference between major and minor scales?
Major scales have a bright, happy sound and follow the pattern: whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half. Natural minor scales have a dark, sad sound and follow: whole-half-whole-whole-half-whole-whole. The difference is in the 3rd, 6th, and 7th scale degrees.
What are modal scales?
Modal scales (Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Locrian) are variations of the major scale starting on different scale degrees. For example, Dorian is like natural minor but with a raised 6th. Each mode has a unique sound and is used in different musical contexts.
What are pentatonic scales?
Pentatonic scales have 5 notes instead of 7. Major pentatonic uses notes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 of the major scale. Minor pentatonic uses notes 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 of the natural minor scale. Pentatonic scales are very common in folk music, blues, and rock.