What is a Scale?

A Scale is simply a group of notes built from a set of whole steps and half steps, AKA Intervals. 

The combination of intervals used gives the scale a particular color or mood.  We call the specific combination of intervals an Intervallic Formula.   

Every scale is built using an Intervallic Formula off a starting note called a Root.

There are numerous types of scales that we use commonly.  Depending on the formula, you might have a 7-Note scale like the famous Major or Minor scales, a 5-Note Scale like the Pentatonic scales, or even all 12 Notes, which we call the chromatic scale.  

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Scales can begin on ANY of our 12 notes by simply starting the intervallic formula on that note.  

We usually say a scale is “In the Key Of,” whatever note we are starting on.  We name the scale based on the starting note and the type of intervallic formula we use.

For example, if we start on the note C and use a Major Scale formula, we are playing a C Major Scale.  

If we start on the note G and use a Minor Scale formula, we are playing a G Minor Scale.