Major and minor scales and how they are built

A scale is a pattern, not a list

A scale is an ordered sequence of tones within one octave. Crucially, it is defined by a pattern of distances between the tones - a sequence of whole steps (W) and half steps (H). The same pattern started on a different tone gives a scale in another key, but with the same character.

The major scale: W-W-H-W-W-W-H

The major scale has a bright, happy character. Its formula is whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half:

• Start on C, take a whole step (W) to D, whole to E, a half step (H) to F ...
• Result for C major: C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C (all white tones).

The half step between the 3rd and 4th degrees, and between the 7th and 8th (the root an octave up), is what gives major its recognisable sound.

The natural minor scale: W-H-W-W-H-W-W

The minor scale sounds darker. Natural minor has the formula whole-half-whole-whole-half-whole-whole. For A minor we get A - B - C - D - E - F - G - A - again all white tones, but with a different starting point and therefore a different feel.

Harmonic and melodic minor

Besides natural minor there is also harmonic minor (raised 7th degree - giving a tense, exotic sound and a stronger resolution) and melodic minor (raised 6th and 7th going up). These two variants explain why minor-key songs often have a major dominant chord.