Scales dictionary
How to read a scale
Steps, degrees, fingers.
The step pattern
Every scale is a pattern of whole and half steps. E harmonic minor goes W–H–W–W–H–W+H–H: the step and a half between C and D♯ gives it its colour.
The degrees
Number the notes from the root: 1 E, 2 F♯, ♭3 G, 4 A, 5 B, ♭6 C, 7 D♯. The degrees stay the same in every key, so a pattern learned in E works in any other.
The fingering
Right hand: the thumb tucks under onto A. Left hand: finger 3 crosses over onto C. Practise the crossings slowly; once they're smooth, raise the tempo.
All 216 scales
Every scale and mode on every root, each with its own page.
C
D♭
D
E♭
E
F
G♭
G
A♭
A
B♭
Practise it on a real keyboard.
Plug in a MIDI keyboard: the Melodio app shows every scale with its fingering and chords, and names what you play. Free, offline.
Download Melodio
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