Scales and Modes

Question 1

What are the 9 scales and modes you need to know?

Answer 1

. Major scale
. Mixolydian mode
. Major pentatonic 
. Aeolian mode
. Minor pentatonic
. Blues scale
. Harmonic minor
. Melodic minor
. Dorian mode

Question 2

Explain the major scale.

Answer 2

Order of tones and semitones: TTSTTTS
Scale degrees: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Also known as Ionian mode.

Just follow the major key signature and you’re all g.

Question 2

Explain the mixolydian mode.

Answer 2

Order of tones and semitones: TTSTTST
Scale degrees: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, flat7, 8

It contains notes from the dominant 7 chord.

Follow the major key signature and flatten the leading note.

Question 3

Explain the major pentatonic.

Answer 3

Order of tones and semitones: TTT1/2 TT1/2
Scale degrees: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8

Follow major key sig and only use above degrees.

Question 4

Explain the aeolian mode/natural minor?

Answer 4

Order of tones and semitones: TSTTSTT
Scale degrees: 1, 2, flat3, 4, 5, flat6, flat7, 8 (used with consideration of major key signature)

Instead of using scale degrees, work out the minor key signature and leave it alone. There will be nothing sharpened or flattened.

Question 5

Explain the minor pentatonic.

Answer 5

Order of tones and semitones: T1/2 TTT1/2 T
Scale degrees: 1, flat3, 4, 5, flat 7, 8 (used with consideration of the major key signature)

Ezy Memes just follow the major key sig and flatten the 3rd and 7th scale degree.

Question 6

Explain the blues scale.

Answer 6

Order of tones and semitones:T1/2TSST1/2T
Scale degrees: 1, flat3, 4, flat5, 5, flat7, 8 (used with consideration of the major key signature)

Follow the major key signature and then add accidental as shown above.

Question 7

Explain the harmonic minor scale.

Answer 7

Order of tones and semitones: TSTTST1/2S
Scale degrees: 1, 2, flat3, 4, 5, flat6, 7, 8

Instead of using scale degrees, work out the minor key signature and then raise the leading note.

Question 8

Explain the melodic minor scale.

Answer 8

Order of tones and semitones: TSTTTTS then TTSTTST (the notes a different when descending)
Scale degrees: 1, 2, flat3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
then 8, flat7, flat 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

Instead of using scale degrees, work out the minor key signature and raise the 6th and 7th notes. Then when descending you flatten the 6th and 7th degrees (sounds like natural minor).

Question 9

Explain the dorian mode.

Answer 9

Order of tones and semitones: TSTTTST
Scale degrees: 1, 2, flat3, 4, 5, 6, flat7, 8

Contains notes from the minor 7 chord.

Follow the major key signature and then add accidental a flattened mediant and leading note.