Theory of Music Grade 1

Lesson 11 C Major Scale



What is a scale? A scale is a row of sounds stretching from any note to its octave above or below. There are many different types of scales, but the one we use most is the MAJOR scale. The first scale we learn to write is the C major scale which runs along the white notes of the keyboard from one C to the next.

Theory of Music Grade 1

Lesson 11 C Major Scale


Here is C major scale ascending (going up) one octave. Write the scale degree numbers under each note.

Theory of Music Grade 1

Lesson 11 C Major Scale


In the MAJOR scale, every note is the distance of a TONE or SEMITONE from the note before it. The major scale pattern ascending is: TTS TTTS

Theory of Music Grade 1

Lesson 11 C Major Scale


Mark the tones (with a square bracket) and semitones (with slurs) in the ascending C major scale below:

Theory of Music Grade 1

Lesson 11 C Major Scale


Mark the tones (with a square bracket) and semitones (with slurs) in the ascending and descending C major scale below:

Theory of Music Grade 1

Lesson 11 C Major Scale


Write the scale degree numbers under the notes of this C major scale.

Theory of Music Grade 1

Lesson 11 C Major Scale


When writing scales, remember to do the following things: Clearly draw a clef (treble or bass) Always finish the scale with a final double bar-line. Spread the notes of the scale out evenly on the stave. Dont leave a gap at the end of the stave. Make sure stems are going in the right direction. (Middle line can go up or down, notes above the middle line, stems go down and notes below the middle line stems go up).

Theory of Music Grade 1

Lesson 11 C Major Scale


If the scale is ascending, the scale degree numbers are 12345678. If the scale is descending, the scale degree numbers are 87654321. If the scale is ascending, the tone and semitone pattern is TTS TTTS. If the scale is descending, the tone and semitone pattern is STTT STT.