The major scale is a musical scale that is based on a particular set of musical intervals. It is one of the most common scales used in Western music and is characterized by its cheerful and happy sound.
In Western music theory, the major scale is defined as having a specific pattern of whole and half steps (also known as W and H) between its notes. The formula for the Major scale is W-W-H-W-W-W-H, where W represents a whole step and H represents a half step.
A whole step is equal to two semitones (or half-steps) in Western music. A half step is equal to one semitone.
e.g. To construct the C Major scale, we start with the note C and apply the formula:
Start on the root note, C
Move up a whole step (2 semitones) to reach D
Move up another whole step (2 semitones) to reach E
Move up a half step (1 semitone) to reach F
Move up a whole step (2 semitones) to reach G
Move up another whole step (2 semitones) to reach A
Move up another whole step (2 semitones) to reach B
Move up a half step (1 semitone) to reach C (the octave of the root note)
Thus, the C Major scale consists of the notes C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C
This pattern of intervals creates the distinctive sound that is associated with the major scale.
Here's what the C Major Scale looks like all over the fretboard
Let's try and find out the D Major Scale now
We start with the note D and apply the formula:
Start on the root note, D
Move up a whole step (2 semitones) to reach E
Move up another whole step (2 semitones) to reach F#
Move up a half step (1 semitone) to reach G
Move up a whole step (2 semitones) to reach A
Move up another whole step (2 semitones) to reach B
Move up another whole step (2 semitones) to reach C#
Move up a half step (1 semitone) to reach D (the octave of the root note)
Thus, the D Major scale consists of the notes D-E-F#-G-A-B-C#-D
Here's what the D Major Scale looks like all over the fretboard
