Common Scales & Their Intervals
When learning to play an instrument, mastering scale patterns is an essential step. However, understanding the intervals within these scales is crucial for developing musical maturity. Recognizing intervals allows musicians to execute ideas accurately, whether they’re improvising or interpreting someone else’s music.
Why Knowing Intervals is Crucial
Intervals are the building blocks of melodies and harmonies. The ultimate goal for a musician is to hear an idea and be able to play it immediately. This requires three key skills:
- Ear Training: The ability to identify intervals by ear.
- Instrument Visualization: Knowing where these intervals lie on your instrument.
- Theoretical Framework: Understanding the theory behind these intervals.
Chromatic Scale
The chromatic scale includes all twelve pitches in Western music, each a half step apart: 1, b2, 2, #2/b3, 3, 4, #4/b5, 5, #5/b6, 6, b7, 7, 8
Major Scales
Ionian (Major Scale): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
This is the most familiar scale, often referred to as the “do-re-mi” scale.
Lydian: 1, 2, 3, #4, 5, 6, 7, 8
This scale has a raised fourth, giving it a slightly brighter sound than the major scale.
Mixolydian: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, b7, 8
The Mixolydian scale has a lowered seventh, creating a sound common in blues and rock.
Major Pentatonic: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8
This five-note scale omits the fourth and seventh notes, making it simpler and often used in folk and rock music.
Minor Scales
Aeolian (Natural Minor): 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7, 8
The natural minor scale is the relative minor of the major scale, sharing the same notes but starting from the sixth degree.
Dorian: 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, 6, b7, 8
The Dorian scale features a natural sixth, distinguishing it from the natural minor scale.
Phrygian: 1, b2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7, 8
This scale has a flat second, giving it a distinctive, Spanish flavor.
Locrian: 1, b2, b3, 4, b5, b6, b7, 8
The Locrian scale has a diminished fifth, making it the least stable and most dissonant of the minor scales.
Minor Pentatonic: 1, b3, 4, 5, b7, 8
The minor pentatonic scale is commonly used in blues and rock.
Blues Scale: 1, b3, 4, b5, 5, b7, 8
This scale adds a flat fifth to the minor pentatonic, creating a “bluesy” sound.
Melodic Minor: 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Ascending melodic minor has a natural sixth and seventh, but it reverts to natural minor when descending.
Harmonic Minor: 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, 7, 8
The harmonic minor scale has a raised seventh, adding a distinctive tension.
Other Scales
Diminished (Whole-Half): 1, 2, b3, 4, b5, b6, 6, 7, 8
This scale alternates whole and half steps, creating a symmetrical pattern.
Diminished (Half-Whole): 1, b2, b3, 3, #4, 5, 6, b7, 8
This scale also alternates half and whole steps, but starts with a half step.
Whole Tone: 1, 2, 3, #4, #5, b7, 8
Every note in this scale is a whole step apart, giving it a dreamy, ambiguous quality.
Practical Applications
Ear Training
Developing your ear is essential for recognizing intervals. Practice singing and identifying intervals in various contexts to enhance this skill.
Visualization on the Instrument
For guitarists, knowing fretboard theory helps in locating intervals quickly. Practice scales and intervals in different positions on the fretboard.
Theoretical Understanding
Understanding the theoretical context of scales and intervals allows you to apply them creatively in your music. This knowledge helps in improvisation and composition.
Conclusion
Mastering scales and their intervals is fundamental for any musician. By understanding and practicing these scales, you’ll be able to recognize their unique sounds, play them accurately, and know their theoretical context. This knowledge will empower you to express your musical ideas with confidence and creativity.
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