The major scale is the foundation of much of Western music, known for its bright and happy sound. It can be constructed starting from any note (root) by following a specific pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H):
W - W - H - W - W - W - H.
- Starting from the root, move up two whole steps, one half step, three whole steps, and one final half step to complete the octave.
- This pattern ensures the correct arrangement of notes for the major scale, regardless of the starting pitch.
Whole step (W): interval of two frets on guitar; Half step (H): interval of one fret.
Major Scale Formula
Root (1) – W – 2 – W – 3 – H – 4 – W – 5 – W – 6 – W – 7 – H – Octave (1)
- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 = scale degrees; the octave repeats the root.
- Example: C major (no sharps/flats) = C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C
Source Material
Author: Toby Rush
Document: Major Scale - Music Theory for Musicians and Normal People
Applying the Formula: G Major Example
Starting on G, apply the W-W-H-W-W-W-H pattern:
| Degree | Note | Move From Previous |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Root) | G | - |
| 2 | A | Whole step |
| 3 | B | Whole step |
| 4 | C | Half step |
| 5 | D | Whole step |
| 6 | E | Whole step |
| 7 | F# | Whole step |
| 8 (Octave) | G | Half step |
G Major Scale = G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G
Major Scale on Guitar
On guitar, the major scale pattern can be played starting on any root note. Here’s the C major scale in one common open position pattern:
```
e|----------------0-1-|
B|-----------0-1------|
G|-------0-2----------|
D|---0-2--------------|
A|-3------------------|
E|--------------------|
```
- Play all natural notes (C, D, E, F, G, A, B) for C major.
- To move the pattern for other keys, shift all notes up or down the fretboard and adjust sharps/flats according to the major scale formula.
Conclusion
The major scale is built from a precise pattern of whole and half steps (W-W-H-W-W-W-H) starting at any root note. This formula creates the distinct “major” sound and can be applied to generate scales in all keys.
- Major scale = root + W-W-H-W-W-W-H
- Example: G major = G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G
- On guitar, use fret patterns that match whole (2 frets) and half (1 fret) steps to play major scales in any key