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Music Scale
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Chapter Two
Music Scale theory
What is a scale?
The easiest way to explain scales is like a collection of notes that of a musical reason have been
grouped together. The benefit of knowing scales in music is that you know how to orient
yourself among notes.
Fundamentals
In many cases a scale consists of seven notes – this is the case of the major and minor scales. The
scales are also octave-repeating which means the pattern of notes is the same regardless if you
play a scale on the left, the middle or the right side of the keyboard.
On a full scale piano, there is a total of 88 keys, but there are only twelve different notes which
are repeated from low to high tones, from the base to the treble.
In the illustration above, you can see twelve tones that make one octave and these notes also
form a Chromatic Scale). One important thing is that C# is sometimes written Db; D# is
sometimes written Eb and so on. These are called enharmonic notes and how they are written
depends on the key they belong to. The symbols after the letter (accidentals) are known
as sharps and flats. C# is spelled "C sharp" and Db is spelled "D flat". This is of course only
theory, but is nevertheless good to know about.
And now look at the F major scale:
The notes are F - G - A - Bb - C - D - E - F.
You have seen two different scales where sharps (#) and flats (b) are used. The rule that decides
if the note is raised or lowered depends on the intervals between notes in the scale. In the
examples above F# is a raised F and Bb is a lowered B.
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Changing keys
Music pieces are written in a certain key, like Brandenburg Concerto No 1 in F Major by J.S.
Bach. It would be feasible to re-arrange this concerto to another key, like for example D Major.
It would still be the same to a large extent, but the timbre would be different.
Tonality
Most songs start and end with the same tone which is the first note, or tonic, in the scale. Then
you play notes from a scale you could hear that the music seems to gravitate towards the first
note, it is like some tension is left until you have reached that first note. This phenomenon is
called tonality.
Intervals
Intervals in music describe the distance between two notes. The most common intervals are:
prime, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and octave. See these intervals illustrated below:
Intervals can also be used to describe the structure of a scale category. For example, the Major
Scale can be written like: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and the Natural Minor can be written like: 1, 2, b3, 4,
5, b6, b7, referring to the intervals.
Steps
Another way to describe the structure of a scale is with the word steps which refer to the distance
between notes. The most often used terms are half steps and whole steps. Between C and C# it is
one half step and between C and D it is one whole step.
In the scale overviews on this site you will see "semi-notes" (equivalent to half steps) and
"formulas" used also to describe the scales. It is mainly the same thing only described in
different ways. For the Major Scale this will look like: 2 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 1 (semi-notes) and
Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half (formula).
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Types of Scale
1. Chromatic Scales
2. Diatonic Major Scale
3. Diatonic Minor Scales
4. Blues Scales
5. Diminished Scales
6. Pentatonic Scales
7. Whole Tone Scales
Chromatic Scales
What is a Chromatic Scale?
A chromatic scale consists of all the 8 tones in the do-re-mi scale plus all the additional half-
tones that are left out when you sing do-re-mi.
In other words, the 12 tones in a chromatic scale are a half-step or semi-tone apart.
The word "chromatic" comes from the Greek word chroma meaning "color." The chromatic
scale consists of 12 notes each a half step apart. It is from the chromatic scale that every other
scale or chord in most Western music is derived. We will take the C chromatic scale as an
example: C Chromatic Scale as you go up: C C# D D# E F F# G G# A A# B C
C Chromatic Scale as you go down: C B Bb A Ab G Gb F E Eb D Db C
Diatonic Major Scales
Major Scales are the most important scales: firstly because they are very common and, secondly,
because they are fundamental to your understanding of keys. If you hear someone mention that a
piano sonata by the composer and pianist Franz Shubert is played in A Major this means that it
depends on the A scale.
Intervals and steps
Interval: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Semi-notes: 2 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 1
Formula: Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half
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Worksheet Diatonic Major Scales
Fingerings: 1 = Thumb | 2 = index finger | 3 = middle finger | 4 = ring finger | 5 = little finger.
LH = Left hand | RH = Right hand
1. C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C
Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
2. Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, C, Db
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3
Fingerings (RH): 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2
3. D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D
Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
4. Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D, Eb
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3
Fingerings (RH): 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3
5. E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E
Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
6. F, G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F
Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4
7. F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#, F, F#
Fingerings (LH): 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 4
Fingerings (RH): 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2
8. G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G
Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
9. Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G, Ab
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3
Fingerings (RH): 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3
10. A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A
Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
11. Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3
Fingerings (RH): 4, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4
12. B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#, B
Fingerings (LH): 4, 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Diatonic Minor Scales
Different to the major scale there are not one but three minor scales, which all will be
presented to you. The three groups of minor scales are:
1. The natural minor
2. The melodic
3. The harmonic
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1. Diatonic Natural Minor Scale
The natural minor scale is often referred to as the minor scale. This scale can sometimes confuse
people because it is in a way identical to the major scale. The A minor scales include exactly the
same notes as the C major scale which makes them relative keys
Intervals and steps
Interval: 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7
Semi-notes: 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 2
Formula: Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole
Worksheet Diatonic Natural Minor Scales
Fingerings: 1 = Thumb | 2 = index finger | 3 = middle finger | 4 = ring finger | 5 = little finger.
LH = Left hand | RH = Right hand
1. C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C
Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
2. C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B, C#
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3
Fingerings (RH): 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3
3. D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C, D
Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
4. D#, F, F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#
Fingerings (LH): 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2
Fingerings (RH): 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3
5. E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E
Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
6. F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F
Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4
7. F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, E, F#
Fingerings (LH): 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 4
Fingerings (RH): 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3
8. G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G
Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
9. G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2
Fingerings (RH): 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3
10. A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A
Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
11. A#, C, C#, D#, F, F#, G#, A#
Fingerings (LH): 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2
Fingerings (RH): 2, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4
12. B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A, B
Fingerings (LH): 4, 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
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2. Melodic Minor Scales
The melodic minor scale differs from the natural minor scale due the sixth and seventh
notes are raised a semi-step, and therefore no longer mirror the major scale. This scale is
also some kind of a peculiar since it is played differently ascending and descending.
When you go up the scale you are using the melodic minor scale, but when you move down the
scale you are using the natural minor scale.
For the melodic scale in C it will look like this:
Ascending notes: C, D, Eb, F, G, A, B, C
Descending notes: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C
Intervals and steps
Interval: 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Semi-notes: 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 1
Formula: Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half
Melodic Minor Scales (auxiliary notes in descending and ascending scale in
parenthesis)
C: C, D, Eb, F, G, A (Ab), B (Bb), C
C#/Db: C#,Eb, E, F#, G#, A# (A),C (B),C#
D: D, E, F, G, A, B (Bb), C# (C), D
D#/Eb: D#,F, F#, G#, A#, C (B), D (C#), D#
E: E, F#,G, A, B, C# (C), D# (D),E
F: F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D (Db), E (Eb), F
F#/Gb: F#,G#, A, B, C#,Eb (D), F (E), F#
G: G, A, Bb, C, D, E (Eb), F# (F), G
G#/Ab: G#, A#, B, C#,Eb, F (E), G (F#), G#
A: A, B, C, D, E, F# (F), G# (G), A
A#/Bb: A#,C,C#,Eb, F, G (F#),A (G#), A#
B: B,C#, D, E, F#, G# (G), A# (A), B
C: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C
C#/Db: C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B, C#
D: D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C, D
D#/Eb: D#, F, F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#
E: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E
F: F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F
F#/Gb: F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, E, F#
G: G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G
G#/Ab: G#, A#, B, C#, D#,E, F#, G#
A: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A
A#/Bb: A#, C, C#,D#, F, F#, G#, A#
B: B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A, B
Music Scale
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3. Diatonic Harmonic Minor Scales
The harmonic minor scale is one of three minor scales. The other two are the natural minor and
the melodic minor. The sound of the harmonic scale is characterized by the music of the Middle
East. The harmonic minor differs from the natural minor with a sharpened seventh note, and this
minor scale is consequently not played in the same way as the relative major scale.
Intervals and steps
Interval: 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, 7
Semi-notes: 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 1 - 3 - 1
Formula: Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole and a half, Half
Worksheet Diatonic Harmonic Minor Scales
Fingerings: 1 = Thumb | 2 = index finger | 3 = middle finger | 4 = ring finger | 5 = little finger.
LH = Left hand | RH = Right hand
1. C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B, C
Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
2. C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, C, C#
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3
Fingerings (RH): 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3
3. D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C#, D
Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
4. D#, F, F#, G#, A#, B, D, D#
Fingerings (LH): 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2
Fingerings (RH): 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3
5. E, F#, G, A, B, C, D#, E
Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
6. F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, E, F
Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4
7. F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, F, F#
Fingerings (LH): 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 4
Fingerings (RH): 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3
8. G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F#, G
Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
9. G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E, G, G#
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2
Fingerings (RH): 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3
10. A, B, C, D, E, F, G#, A
Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
11. A#, C, C#, D#, F, F#, A, A#
Fingerings (LH): 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2
Fingerings (RH): 2, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4
12. B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A#, B
Fingerings (LH): 4, 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
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Blues Scales
Adding a”blue note” to the regular pentatonic scale gives the Pentatonic Blues Scale. These
scales are for obvious reasons perfect when playing blues on the piano. The "Major Blues Scale"
is some less common than the "Minor Blues Scale", and therefore we start with minor and you
find the major by scrolling down. The blues originate from a mix of different sources in music,
so there is no satisfying explanation in theoretical terms about this scale. But the most important
thing is of course how it sounds when you are using it.
1. Minor Blues Pentatonic
Scales
Intervals and steps
Interval: 1, b3, 4, b5, 5, b7
Semi-notes: 3 - 2 - 1 - 1 - 3 - 2
Formula: Whole and a half, Whole, Half,
Half, Whole and a half, Whole
C: C, Eb, F, F#, G, Bb, C
C#/Db: C#, E, F#, G, G#, B, C#
D: D, F, G, G#, A, C, D
D#/Eb: D#, F#, G#, A, A#, C#, D#
E: E, G, A, A#, B, D, E
F: F, Ab, Bb, B, C, Eb, F
F#/Gb: F#, A, B, C, C#, E, F#
G: G, Bb, C, C#, D, F, G
G#/Ab: G#, B, C#, D, D#, F#, G#
A: A, C, D, D#, E, G, A
A#/Bb: A#, C#, D#, E, E#, G#, A#
B: B, D, E, F, F#, A, B
2. Major Blues Pentatonic
Scales
Intervals and steps
Interval: 1, 2, b3, 3, 5, 6
Semi-notes: 2 - 1 - 1 - 3 - 2 - 3
Formula: Whole, Half, Half, Whole
and a half, Whole, Whole and a half
C: C, D, Eb, E, G, A, C
C#/Db: C#, D#, E, F, G#, A#, C#
D: D, E, F, F#, A, B, D
D#/Eb: D#, F, F#, G, A#, C, D#
E: E, F#, G, G#, B, C#, E
F: F, G, Ab, A, C, D, F
F#/Gb: F#, G#, A, A#, C#, D#, F#
G: G, A, Bb, B, D, E, G
G#/Ab: G#, A#, B, C, D#, F, G#
A: A, B, C, C#, E, F#, A
A#/Bb: A#, C, C#, D, F, G, A#
B: B, C#, D, D#, F#, G#, B
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Diminished Scale
The Diminished Scale consists of eight notes, and therefore belongs to the category of
octatonic scales. The name is derived from the fact that the scale is built upon two
diminished seven chords. The scale is not very common, but sometimes used in jazz music
primarily. See also the Dominant Diminished Scale. The diminished scale is also referred to
as the Whole-half diminished scale due to the fact it is constructed by every second whole
and half steps (notice also that it is a symmetrical scale). It must not be confused with
the Diminished Whole Tone Scale (Altered Scale a.k.a. Super Locrian).
Interval: 1, b2, b3, 3, b5, b6, b7
Semi-notes: 2 - 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 1
Formula: Whole, Half, Whole, Half, Whole, Half, Whole, Half
C: C, D, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, A, B, C
C#/Db: C#, D#, E, F#, G, A, Bb, C, C#
D: D, E, F, G, Ab, Bb, B, C#, D
D#/Eb: D#, F, F#, G#, A, B, C, D, D#
E: E, F#, G, A, Bb, C, C#, D#, E
F: F, G, Ab, Bb, B, C#, D, E, F
F#/Gb: F#, G#, A, B, C, D, D#, F, F#
G: G, A, Bb, C, C#, D#, E, F#, G
G#/Ab: G#, A#, B, Db, D, E, F, G, G#
A: A, B, C, D, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, A
A#/Bb: A#, C, Db, Eb, E, Gb, G, A, A#
B: B, C#, D, E, F, G, Ab, Bb, B
Dominant Diminished Scales overview
The Dominant Diminished Scale consists of eight notes, and therefore belongs to the category of
octatonic scales. It is also a so-called symmetrical scale since the intervals are consistent. The
formula is half tone, whole tone throughout the scale, hence the reason it is sometimes called the
Half-tone/Whole-tone Scale
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Interval: 1, b2, #2, 3, #4, 5, 6, b7
Semi-notes: 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 1 – 2
Formula: Half, Whole, Half, Whole, Half, Whole, Half, Whole
C: C, Db, D#, E, F#, G, A, Bb, C
C#/Db: C#, D, E, F, G, G#, Bb, B, C#
D: D, Eb, F, F#, G#, A, B, C, D
D#/Eb: D#, E, F#, G, A, Bb, C, Db, D#
E: E, F, G, G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E
F: F, Gb, G#, A, B, C, D, Eb, F
F#/Gb: F#, G, A, Bb, C, C#, D#, E, F#
G: G, Ab, A#, B, C#, D, E, F, G
G#/Ab: G#, A, B, C, D, Eb, F, Gb, G#
A: A, Bb, C, C#, Eb, E, F#, G, A
A#/Bb: A#, B, C#, D, E, F, G, Bb, A#
B: B, C, D, D#, F, Gb, Ab, A, B
Piano Pentatonic Scales
The pentatonic scale is frequently used in lots of popular music styles. There are both pentatonic
major and minor – the minor more often used in this case. Note that A minor pentatonic has
identical notes as C major pentatonic but in another order, D minor pentatonic has the same notes
as F major pentatonic and so it goes. Knowing this will make it easier for you to memorize the
scales.
1. Major Pentatonic Scales
This five-note scale is similar to the major scale but with the 4th and 7th degrees removed. Major
pentatonic scales are especially common in traditional folk music, county and gospel. Here are
pictures and notes of the major pentatonic scales.
Interval: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
Semi-notes: 2 - 2 - 3 - 2 - 3
Formula: Whole, Whole, Whole and a half, Whole, Whole and a half
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Worksheet Pentatonic Major Scales
Fingerings: 1 = Thumb | 2 = index finger | 3 = middle finger | 4 = ring finger | 5 = little finger.
LH = Left hand | RH = Right hand
1. C, D, E, G, A, C
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 2, 1, 3
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3
2. C#, D#, F, G#, A#, C#
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2
Fingerings (RH): 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4
3. D, E, F#, A, B, D
Fingerings (LH): 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 2
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 4
4. D#, F, G, A#, C, D#
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 2, 1, 3
Fingerings (RH): 2, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2
5. E, F#, G#, B, C#, E
Fingerings (LH): 4, 3, 2, 1, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3
6. F, G, A, C, D, F
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 2, 1, 3
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 4
7. F#, G#, A#, C#, D#, F#
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3
8. G, A, B, D, E, G
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 2, 1, 3
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 4
9. G#, A#, C, D#, F, G#
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 2, 1, 3
Fingerings (RH): 3, 2, 1, 2, 1, 3
10. A, B, C#, E, F#, A
Fingerings (LH): 2, 1, 2, 1, 3, 2
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 1
11. A#, C, D, F, G, A#
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 2, 1, 3
Fingerings (RH): 3, 1, 2, 1, 2, 3
12. B, C#, D#, F#, G#,B
Fingerings (LH): 1, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1
2. Minor Pentatonic Scales
Interval: 1, b3, 4, 5, b7
Semi-notes: 3 - 2 - 2 - 3 - 2
Formula: Whole and a half, Whole, Whole, Whole and a half, Whole
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Worksheet Pentatonic Minor Scales
Fingerings: 1 = Thumb | 2 = index finger | 3 = middle finger | 4 = ring finger | 5 = little finger.
LH = Left hand | RH = Right hand
1. C, Eb, F, G, Bb, C
Fingerings (LH): 1, 3, 2, 1, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3
2. C#, E, F#, G#, B, C#
Fingerings (LH): 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 2
Fingerings (RH): 2, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2
3. D, F, G, A, C, D
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3
4. D#, F#, G#, A#, C#, D#
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3
5. E, G, A, B, D, E
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3
6. F, Ab, Bb, C, Eb, F
Fingerings (LH): 4, 3, 2, 1, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3
7. F#, A, B, C#, E, F#
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 2, 1, 3
Fingerings (RH): 2, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2
8. G, Bb, C, D, F, G
Fingerings (LH): 1, 3, 2, 1, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 1
9. G#, B, C#, D#, F#, G#
Fingerings (LH): 2, 1, 5, 4, 3, 2
Fingerings (RH): 2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
10. A, C, D, E, G, A
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3
11. A#, C#, D#, E#, G#, A#
Fingerings (LH): 4, 3, 2, 1, 4, 3
Fingerings (RH): 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3
12. B, D, E, F#, A, B
Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
Fingerings (RH): 2, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2

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Ethiopian Music Theory

  • 1. Music Scale Equipped By Abenezer A. Phone: 0921361791 Page 1 Chapter Two Music Scale theory What is a scale? The easiest way to explain scales is like a collection of notes that of a musical reason have been grouped together. The benefit of knowing scales in music is that you know how to orient yourself among notes. Fundamentals In many cases a scale consists of seven notes – this is the case of the major and minor scales. The scales are also octave-repeating which means the pattern of notes is the same regardless if you play a scale on the left, the middle or the right side of the keyboard. On a full scale piano, there is a total of 88 keys, but there are only twelve different notes which are repeated from low to high tones, from the base to the treble. In the illustration above, you can see twelve tones that make one octave and these notes also form a Chromatic Scale). One important thing is that C# is sometimes written Db; D# is sometimes written Eb and so on. These are called enharmonic notes and how they are written depends on the key they belong to. The symbols after the letter (accidentals) are known as sharps and flats. C# is spelled "C sharp" and Db is spelled "D flat". This is of course only theory, but is nevertheless good to know about. And now look at the F major scale: The notes are F - G - A - Bb - C - D - E - F. You have seen two different scales where sharps (#) and flats (b) are used. The rule that decides if the note is raised or lowered depends on the intervals between notes in the scale. In the examples above F# is a raised F and Bb is a lowered B.
  • 2. Music Scale Equipped By Abenezer A. Phone: 0921361791 Page 2 Changing keys Music pieces are written in a certain key, like Brandenburg Concerto No 1 in F Major by J.S. Bach. It would be feasible to re-arrange this concerto to another key, like for example D Major. It would still be the same to a large extent, but the timbre would be different. Tonality Most songs start and end with the same tone which is the first note, or tonic, in the scale. Then you play notes from a scale you could hear that the music seems to gravitate towards the first note, it is like some tension is left until you have reached that first note. This phenomenon is called tonality. Intervals Intervals in music describe the distance between two notes. The most common intervals are: prime, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and octave. See these intervals illustrated below: Intervals can also be used to describe the structure of a scale category. For example, the Major Scale can be written like: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and the Natural Minor can be written like: 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7, referring to the intervals. Steps Another way to describe the structure of a scale is with the word steps which refer to the distance between notes. The most often used terms are half steps and whole steps. Between C and C# it is one half step and between C and D it is one whole step. In the scale overviews on this site you will see "semi-notes" (equivalent to half steps) and "formulas" used also to describe the scales. It is mainly the same thing only described in different ways. For the Major Scale this will look like: 2 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 1 (semi-notes) and Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half (formula).
  • 3. Music Scale Equipped By Abenezer A. Phone: 0921361791 Page 3 Types of Scale 1. Chromatic Scales 2. Diatonic Major Scale 3. Diatonic Minor Scales 4. Blues Scales 5. Diminished Scales 6. Pentatonic Scales 7. Whole Tone Scales Chromatic Scales What is a Chromatic Scale? A chromatic scale consists of all the 8 tones in the do-re-mi scale plus all the additional half- tones that are left out when you sing do-re-mi. In other words, the 12 tones in a chromatic scale are a half-step or semi-tone apart. The word "chromatic" comes from the Greek word chroma meaning "color." The chromatic scale consists of 12 notes each a half step apart. It is from the chromatic scale that every other scale or chord in most Western music is derived. We will take the C chromatic scale as an example: C Chromatic Scale as you go up: C C# D D# E F F# G G# A A# B C C Chromatic Scale as you go down: C B Bb A Ab G Gb F E Eb D Db C Diatonic Major Scales Major Scales are the most important scales: firstly because they are very common and, secondly, because they are fundamental to your understanding of keys. If you hear someone mention that a piano sonata by the composer and pianist Franz Shubert is played in A Major this means that it depends on the A scale. Intervals and steps Interval: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Semi-notes: 2 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 1 Formula: Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half
  • 4. Music Scale Equipped By Abenezer A. Phone: 0921361791 Page 4 Worksheet Diatonic Major Scales Fingerings: 1 = Thumb | 2 = index finger | 3 = middle finger | 4 = ring finger | 5 = little finger. LH = Left hand | RH = Right hand 1. C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 2. Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, C, Db Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3 Fingerings (RH): 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2 3. D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 4. Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D, Eb Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3 Fingerings (RH): 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3 5. E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 6. F, G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4 7. F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#, F, F# Fingerings (LH): 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 4 Fingerings (RH): 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2 8. G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 9. Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G, Ab Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3 Fingerings (RH): 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 10. A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 11. Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3 Fingerings (RH): 4, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4 12. B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#, B Fingerings (LH): 4, 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Diatonic Minor Scales Different to the major scale there are not one but three minor scales, which all will be presented to you. The three groups of minor scales are: 1. The natural minor 2. The melodic 3. The harmonic
  • 5. Music Scale Equipped By Abenezer A. Phone: 0921361791 Page 5 1. Diatonic Natural Minor Scale The natural minor scale is often referred to as the minor scale. This scale can sometimes confuse people because it is in a way identical to the major scale. The A minor scales include exactly the same notes as the C major scale which makes them relative keys Intervals and steps Interval: 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7 Semi-notes: 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 Formula: Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole Worksheet Diatonic Natural Minor Scales Fingerings: 1 = Thumb | 2 = index finger | 3 = middle finger | 4 = ring finger | 5 = little finger. LH = Left hand | RH = Right hand 1. C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 2. C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B, C# Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3 Fingerings (RH): 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 3. D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C, D Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 4. D#, F, F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D# Fingerings (LH): 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2 Fingerings (RH): 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3 5. E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 6. F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4 7. F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, E, F# Fingerings (LH): 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 4 Fingerings (RH): 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 8. G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 9. G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E, F#, G# Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2 Fingerings (RH): 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 10. A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 11. A#, C, C#, D#, F, F#, G#, A# Fingerings (LH): 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2 Fingerings (RH): 2, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4 12. B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A, B Fingerings (LH): 4, 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • 6. Music Scale Equipped By Abenezer A. Phone: 0921361791 Page 6 2. Melodic Minor Scales The melodic minor scale differs from the natural minor scale due the sixth and seventh notes are raised a semi-step, and therefore no longer mirror the major scale. This scale is also some kind of a peculiar since it is played differently ascending and descending. When you go up the scale you are using the melodic minor scale, but when you move down the scale you are using the natural minor scale. For the melodic scale in C it will look like this: Ascending notes: C, D, Eb, F, G, A, B, C Descending notes: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C Intervals and steps Interval: 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Semi-notes: 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 1 Formula: Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half Melodic Minor Scales (auxiliary notes in descending and ascending scale in parenthesis) C: C, D, Eb, F, G, A (Ab), B (Bb), C C#/Db: C#,Eb, E, F#, G#, A# (A),C (B),C# D: D, E, F, G, A, B (Bb), C# (C), D D#/Eb: D#,F, F#, G#, A#, C (B), D (C#), D# E: E, F#,G, A, B, C# (C), D# (D),E F: F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D (Db), E (Eb), F F#/Gb: F#,G#, A, B, C#,Eb (D), F (E), F# G: G, A, Bb, C, D, E (Eb), F# (F), G G#/Ab: G#, A#, B, C#,Eb, F (E), G (F#), G# A: A, B, C, D, E, F# (F), G# (G), A A#/Bb: A#,C,C#,Eb, F, G (F#),A (G#), A# B: B,C#, D, E, F#, G# (G), A# (A), B C: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C C#/Db: C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B, C# D: D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C, D D#/Eb: D#, F, F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D# E: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E F: F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F F#/Gb: F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, E, F# G: G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G G#/Ab: G#, A#, B, C#, D#,E, F#, G# A: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A A#/Bb: A#, C, C#,D#, F, F#, G#, A# B: B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A, B
  • 7. Music Scale Equipped By Abenezer A. Phone: 0921361791 Page 7 3. Diatonic Harmonic Minor Scales The harmonic minor scale is one of three minor scales. The other two are the natural minor and the melodic minor. The sound of the harmonic scale is characterized by the music of the Middle East. The harmonic minor differs from the natural minor with a sharpened seventh note, and this minor scale is consequently not played in the same way as the relative major scale. Intervals and steps Interval: 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, 7 Semi-notes: 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 1 - 3 - 1 Formula: Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole and a half, Half Worksheet Diatonic Harmonic Minor Scales Fingerings: 1 = Thumb | 2 = index finger | 3 = middle finger | 4 = ring finger | 5 = little finger. LH = Left hand | RH = Right hand 1. C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B, C Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 2. C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, C, C# Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3 Fingerings (RH): 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 3. D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C#, D Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 4. D#, F, F#, G#, A#, B, D, D# Fingerings (LH): 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2 Fingerings (RH): 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3 5. E, F#, G, A, B, C, D#, E Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 6. F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, E, F Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4 7. F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, F, F# Fingerings (LH): 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 4 Fingerings (RH): 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 8. G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F#, G Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 9. G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E, G, G# Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2 Fingerings (RH): 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 10. A, B, C, D, E, F, G#, A Fingerings (LH): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 11. A#, C, C#, D#, F, F#, A, A# Fingerings (LH): 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2 Fingerings (RH): 2, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4 12. B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A#, B Fingerings (LH): 4, 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • 8. Music Scale Equipped By Abenezer A. Phone: 0921361791 Page 8 Blues Scales Adding a”blue note” to the regular pentatonic scale gives the Pentatonic Blues Scale. These scales are for obvious reasons perfect when playing blues on the piano. The "Major Blues Scale" is some less common than the "Minor Blues Scale", and therefore we start with minor and you find the major by scrolling down. The blues originate from a mix of different sources in music, so there is no satisfying explanation in theoretical terms about this scale. But the most important thing is of course how it sounds when you are using it. 1. Minor Blues Pentatonic Scales Intervals and steps Interval: 1, b3, 4, b5, 5, b7 Semi-notes: 3 - 2 - 1 - 1 - 3 - 2 Formula: Whole and a half, Whole, Half, Half, Whole and a half, Whole C: C, Eb, F, F#, G, Bb, C C#/Db: C#, E, F#, G, G#, B, C# D: D, F, G, G#, A, C, D D#/Eb: D#, F#, G#, A, A#, C#, D# E: E, G, A, A#, B, D, E F: F, Ab, Bb, B, C, Eb, F F#/Gb: F#, A, B, C, C#, E, F# G: G, Bb, C, C#, D, F, G G#/Ab: G#, B, C#, D, D#, F#, G# A: A, C, D, D#, E, G, A A#/Bb: A#, C#, D#, E, E#, G#, A# B: B, D, E, F, F#, A, B 2. Major Blues Pentatonic Scales Intervals and steps Interval: 1, 2, b3, 3, 5, 6 Semi-notes: 2 - 1 - 1 - 3 - 2 - 3 Formula: Whole, Half, Half, Whole and a half, Whole, Whole and a half C: C, D, Eb, E, G, A, C C#/Db: C#, D#, E, F, G#, A#, C# D: D, E, F, F#, A, B, D D#/Eb: D#, F, F#, G, A#, C, D# E: E, F#, G, G#, B, C#, E F: F, G, Ab, A, C, D, F F#/Gb: F#, G#, A, A#, C#, D#, F# G: G, A, Bb, B, D, E, G G#/Ab: G#, A#, B, C, D#, F, G# A: A, B, C, C#, E, F#, A A#/Bb: A#, C, C#, D, F, G, A# B: B, C#, D, D#, F#, G#, B
  • 9. Music Scale Equipped By Abenezer A. Phone: 0921361791 Page 9 Diminished Scale The Diminished Scale consists of eight notes, and therefore belongs to the category of octatonic scales. The name is derived from the fact that the scale is built upon two diminished seven chords. The scale is not very common, but sometimes used in jazz music primarily. See also the Dominant Diminished Scale. The diminished scale is also referred to as the Whole-half diminished scale due to the fact it is constructed by every second whole and half steps (notice also that it is a symmetrical scale). It must not be confused with the Diminished Whole Tone Scale (Altered Scale a.k.a. Super Locrian). Interval: 1, b2, b3, 3, b5, b6, b7 Semi-notes: 2 - 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 1 Formula: Whole, Half, Whole, Half, Whole, Half, Whole, Half C: C, D, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, A, B, C C#/Db: C#, D#, E, F#, G, A, Bb, C, C# D: D, E, F, G, Ab, Bb, B, C#, D D#/Eb: D#, F, F#, G#, A, B, C, D, D# E: E, F#, G, A, Bb, C, C#, D#, E F: F, G, Ab, Bb, B, C#, D, E, F F#/Gb: F#, G#, A, B, C, D, D#, F, F# G: G, A, Bb, C, C#, D#, E, F#, G G#/Ab: G#, A#, B, Db, D, E, F, G, G# A: A, B, C, D, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, A A#/Bb: A#, C, Db, Eb, E, Gb, G, A, A# B: B, C#, D, E, F, G, Ab, Bb, B Dominant Diminished Scales overview The Dominant Diminished Scale consists of eight notes, and therefore belongs to the category of octatonic scales. It is also a so-called symmetrical scale since the intervals are consistent. The formula is half tone, whole tone throughout the scale, hence the reason it is sometimes called the Half-tone/Whole-tone Scale
  • 10. Music Scale Equipped By Abenezer A. Phone: 0921361791 Page 10 Interval: 1, b2, #2, 3, #4, 5, 6, b7 Semi-notes: 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 1 – 2 Formula: Half, Whole, Half, Whole, Half, Whole, Half, Whole C: C, Db, D#, E, F#, G, A, Bb, C C#/Db: C#, D, E, F, G, G#, Bb, B, C# D: D, Eb, F, F#, G#, A, B, C, D D#/Eb: D#, E, F#, G, A, Bb, C, Db, D# E: E, F, G, G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E F: F, Gb, G#, A, B, C, D, Eb, F F#/Gb: F#, G, A, Bb, C, C#, D#, E, F# G: G, Ab, A#, B, C#, D, E, F, G G#/Ab: G#, A, B, C, D, Eb, F, Gb, G# A: A, Bb, C, C#, Eb, E, F#, G, A A#/Bb: A#, B, C#, D, E, F, G, Bb, A# B: B, C, D, D#, F, Gb, Ab, A, B Piano Pentatonic Scales The pentatonic scale is frequently used in lots of popular music styles. There are both pentatonic major and minor – the minor more often used in this case. Note that A minor pentatonic has identical notes as C major pentatonic but in another order, D minor pentatonic has the same notes as F major pentatonic and so it goes. Knowing this will make it easier for you to memorize the scales. 1. Major Pentatonic Scales This five-note scale is similar to the major scale but with the 4th and 7th degrees removed. Major pentatonic scales are especially common in traditional folk music, county and gospel. Here are pictures and notes of the major pentatonic scales. Interval: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 Semi-notes: 2 - 2 - 3 - 2 - 3 Formula: Whole, Whole, Whole and a half, Whole, Whole and a half
  • 11. Music Scale Equipped By Abenezer A. Phone: 0921361791 Page 11 Worksheet Pentatonic Major Scales Fingerings: 1 = Thumb | 2 = index finger | 3 = middle finger | 4 = ring finger | 5 = little finger. LH = Left hand | RH = Right hand 1. C, D, E, G, A, C Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 2, 1, 3 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 2. C#, D#, F, G#, A#, C# Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2 Fingerings (RH): 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4 3. D, E, F#, A, B, D Fingerings (LH): 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 2 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 4 4. D#, F, G, A#, C, D# Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 2, 1, 3 Fingerings (RH): 2, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2 5. E, F#, G#, B, C#, E Fingerings (LH): 4, 3, 2, 1, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 6. F, G, A, C, D, F Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 2, 1, 3 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 4 7. F#, G#, A#, C#, D#, F# Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 8. G, A, B, D, E, G Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 2, 1, 3 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 4 9. G#, A#, C, D#, F, G# Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 2, 1, 3 Fingerings (RH): 3, 2, 1, 2, 1, 3 10. A, B, C#, E, F#, A Fingerings (LH): 2, 1, 2, 1, 3, 2 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 1 11. A#, C, D, F, G, A# Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 2, 1, 3 Fingerings (RH): 3, 1, 2, 1, 2, 3 12. B, C#, D#, F#, G#,B Fingerings (LH): 1, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1 2. Minor Pentatonic Scales Interval: 1, b3, 4, 5, b7 Semi-notes: 3 - 2 - 2 - 3 - 2 Formula: Whole and a half, Whole, Whole, Whole and a half, Whole
  • 12. Music Scale Equipped By Abenezer A. Phone: 0921361791 Page 12 Worksheet Pentatonic Minor Scales Fingerings: 1 = Thumb | 2 = index finger | 3 = middle finger | 4 = ring finger | 5 = little finger. LH = Left hand | RH = Right hand 1. C, Eb, F, G, Bb, C Fingerings (LH): 1, 3, 2, 1, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 2. C#, E, F#, G#, B, C# Fingerings (LH): 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 2 Fingerings (RH): 2, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2 3. D, F, G, A, C, D Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 4. D#, F#, G#, A#, C#, D# Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 5. E, G, A, B, D, E Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 6. F, Ab, Bb, C, Eb, F Fingerings (LH): 4, 3, 2, 1, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 7. F#, A, B, C#, E, F# Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 2, 1, 3 Fingerings (RH): 2, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2 8. G, Bb, C, D, F, G Fingerings (LH): 1, 3, 2, 1, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 1 9. G#, B, C#, D#, F#, G# Fingerings (LH): 2, 1, 5, 4, 3, 2 Fingerings (RH): 2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 10. A, C, D, E, G, A Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 11. A#, C#, D#, E#, G#, A# Fingerings (LH): 4, 3, 2, 1, 4, 3 Fingerings (RH): 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3 12. B, D, E, F#, A, B Fingerings (LH): 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1 Fingerings (RH): 2, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2