The major scale formula
Build a major scale from any note with the whole-step/half-step formula.
One pattern of steps builds the major scale from any note. It is the most useful pattern in this course: almost everything else is described by comparing it with the major scale.
What a scale is
A scale is a set of notes in order of pitch, from a starting note, the tonic, up to its octave.
The formula
The major scale follows the pattern W–W–H–W–W–W–H, where W is a whole step (2 frets) and H a half step (1 fret). An easy way to remember it: 2-2-1-2-2-2-1. This pattern is the scale formula. On a single string it is visible as fret distances from the tonic: 0-2-4-5-7-9-11-12.
From C, and from other notes
From C the pattern uses only natural notes: C D E F G A B C. Its half steps fall on E–F and B–C, as you saw in lesson 1.2. From any other note you need sharps or flats to keep the pattern. From G: G A B C D E F♯ G. A plain F would put the half step in the wrong place.
| Start | Notes and steps |
|---|---|
| C | C –W– D –W– E –H– F –W– G –W– A –W– B –H– C |
| G | G –W– A –W– B –H– C –W– D –W– E –W– F♯ –H– G |
Each letter name appears exactly once in a major scale. This is why F♯ major contains E♯ rather than F (lesson 1.3).
On the E string, play the major scale from F (fret 1) using only the formula, without thinking of note names. Then name the notes. You should find one flat: B♭.
New terms
Tools
- Bass Map: Arpeggios, circle of fifths, natural harmonics, modes and scales on the bass neck, in any key.
- Key Chords: The chords of every major and minor key, chosen on the circle of fifths, with bass boxes and common progressions.