Major Scale Construction

What Is a Major Scale?

A major scale is a sequence of seven notes following the pattern W-W-H-W-W-W-H (whole and half steps).

Starting from C, this gives us: C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C.

The half steps occur between notes 3–4 (E–F) and 7–8 (B–C). Every other pair of adjacent notes is a whole step apart.

This pattern is the foundation of Western music — chords, melodies, and harmony all derive from it.

C Major Scale — Ascending

Study the C major scale ascending. Notice how the half steps (E–F and B–C) sound closer together than the whole steps.

Play the C Major Scale

• Play the C major scale ascending and descending
• Focus on even tone and consistent rhythm
• Notice the half steps between E-F and B-C