SCALES AND MODES


Scales and Modes


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How To Use The Tables

1.  To hear a scale sequentially, click its name.
2.  To hear a note individually, click the desired scale degree.
 
 


 1.  Scale Name 

 2.  Scale Degrees 


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The Chromatic Scale

Scales used in most stylings of Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop, Country, Blues, etc. are derived from the equal temperament half-step tuning of the Chromatic Scale.
 
 

 Chromatic Scale
1
#1
b2
2
#2
b3
3
4
#4
b5
5
#5
b6
6
#6
b7
7
1


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Major and Tonally Related Scales/Modes

Using the Major Scale as a reference to the ear, compare the sounds of other tonally related scales/modes (all containing a Major 3rd).
 
 

 Major or Ionian
1
 
 
2
 
3
4
 
5
 
6
 
7
1
                           
 Lydian (raised 4)
1
 
 
2
 
3
 
#4
5
 
6
 
7
1
 Mixolydian (lowered 7)
1
 
 
2
 
3
4
 
5
 
6
b7
 
1


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Minor and Tonally Related Scales/Modes

Using the Natural Minor Scale as a reference to the ear, compare the sounds of other tonally related scales/modes (all containing a Minor 3rd).
 
 

 Natural Minor or Aeolian
1
 
 
2
b3
 
4
 
5
b6
 
b7
 
1
                           
 Harmonic Minor (raised 7)
1
 
 
2
b3
 
4
 
5
b6
   
7
1
 Melodic Minor (ascending -- raised 6, 7);
     (descending -- Natural Minor)

1
 
 
2
b3
 
4
 
5
 
6
 
7
1
                           
 Dorian (raised 6)
1
 
 
2
b3
 
4
 
5
 
6
b7
 
1
 Phrygian (lowered 2)
1
b2
 
 
b3
 
4
 
5
b6
 
b7
 
1
 Locrian (lowered 2, 5)
1
b2
 
 
b3
 
4
b5
 
b6
 
b7
 
1


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