# The major scale formula

*Module 5 · Lesson 1: The major scale and keys · BazzLow*

> Build a major scale from any note with the whole-step/half-step formula.

Before this lesson: [4.2 Major, minor and perfect](https://bazzlow.com/en/intervals/interval-qualities/)

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.

> **Diagram:** The A major scale on the A string, frets 0 to 12: A B C♯ D E F♯ G♯ A at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12. Steps: W W H W W W H.

## 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.

*The major scale built from C and from G.*

| 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).

## Try it

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

- scale
- tonic
- major scale
- scale formula

Page: https://bazzlow.com/en/major-scale-and-keys/major-scale-formula/