The Major Scale and Its Modes |
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Here is a table showing the modes derived from a C Major scale. Each Major scale and its relative natural minor scale contains these nine modes. There's an explanation of scale formation and alternate scales further down the page. A Major scale consists of whole-steps (W) and half-steps (H) in the following order: WWHWWWH. A natural minor scale can be formed by starting on the 6th degree of a Major or by combining: WHWWHWW. |
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Below is a table showing the same nine modes using C as the tonic (the 'keynote' or first note of a scale). It's interesting that the same chord type can harmonize different modes, allowing a musician several scale choices. |
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Other Scales |
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Scales are usually formed by combining whole-steps and half-steps in an ascending or descending order. Occasionally a minor third (three half-steps) is used, as in the harmonic minor scale or the pentatonic modes. The chromatic scale is composed entirely of half-steps; the whole tone scale uses only whole-steps. The diminished scale alternates whole-steps and half-steps. In most cases the chords associated with the scale are built using scale tones. |
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Website © 2008-2020 by James Sivard |
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