Here is a YouTube playlist I recorded, demonstrating what scales are and introducing you to the 12 Major 5-note scales.
What is a Scale?
- Definition: A scale is simply a group of notes played in a specific order [00:07].
- Examples: I demonstrate a five-note scale, a seven-note (octave) scale, and a six-note scale [00:14].
Why Should You Care About Scales?
I compare scales to the “ABCs” of language, explaining that they are the building blocks of music [00:43].
- Recurring Patterns: Just like prefixes and suffixes (e.g., “-tion”) appear in many words, scale fragments appear constantly in music [00:51].
- Genre Versatility: Scales are used across all genres, from classical runs [01:11] to the distinctive sound of the blues scale [01:35].
- Reading Sheet Music: On a staff, scales appear as a predictable sequence of “line-space-line-space” [02:00].
- Efficiency: Learning scales allows you to recognize groups of notes instantly as a “word” rather than sounding out every individual note [02:43].