BASIC RUDIMENTSMajor Scales

Up to four sharps and four flats

T

To build the C major scale, begin on C and use the pattern.

TST T TT ST

All major scales are built using the following pattern of tones and semitones:

Tone Tone Semitone Tone Tone Tone Semitone

Here’s another example. To build the D major scale, begin on D and use the same pattern.

T TST T TT ST

Notice that accidentals must be added to make the correct pattern.

Instead of writing accidentals in front of each note that must be played sharp or flat, a key signature can be used.

A key signature is a group of accidentals placed at the beginning of the staff. It shows us the notes that are to be played sharp or flat.

Key SignatureB E A

E A B EF G C D

The sharps and flats in a key signature have a set order and position on the staff.

The order of the first four sharps is: F C G D

Here’s how they are placed on the staff.

FCGD

To name a sharp key signature, find the note that is a semitone above the last sharp. This is the key name.

D

A

D Major

A Major

• Last sharp is C• Semitone above is D• Key is D major

• Last sharp is G• Semitone above is A• Key is A major

The order of the first four flats is: B E A D

Here’s how they are placed on the staff.

BEAD

In a flat key signature, the second last flat names the key.

B Major

A Major

• Second last flat is B

• Key is B major

• Second last flat is A

• Key is A major

Exception: F major

(one flat only)

The key signature with no sharp or flats is C major.

Here are the key signatures up to four sharps and four flats.

G major D major A major E major

F major B major E major A major

C major

Each note of the scale is given a name.

The first note of the scale is called the Tonic. (T)

The fourth note of the scale is called the Subdominant. (SD)

The fifth note of the scale is called the Dominant. (D)

T SD D

WRITE IT RIGHT!

To write a Major Scale, ascending and descending with a key signature:

Example: E Flat Major

1. Write the correct key signature next to the clef.2. Write the notes on each line and space from the lower

tonic to the upper tonic and then back down. Write the upper tonic note only once.

3. Add a double bar line at the end.

Upper tonic written only once

Major Scale, ascending and descending with accidentals instead of a key signature.

Because scales are generally written without time signatures or barlines, repeating the sharps and flats on the descending scale that have been added to the ascending scale notes is allowed.

Example: E Flat Major

The End