The chromatic scale is important because it’s the basic layout of all 12 notes in music. In other words, it includes every interval of half-steps and whole-steps. But, as we’ve seen before, the chromatic scale is also kind of boring … because it doesn’t sound very interesting.
The major scale, on the other hand, sounds really good. In fact, its interval pattern of 1, 2, 3, 4 … 5, 6, 7, 8 is so strong and stable that it’s the foundation of most music today. I mean, the major scale is so important that the scale degree numbers even outline its pattern of half-steps and whole-steps. For example, check out the C major scale below. Without a doubt, the major scale is the king of all musical patterns.
And since we’ve played through the major scale about a million times already, you probably know it by heart. So, to mix things up a bit, let’s take a look at some other scale patterns in music. After all, the major scale isn’t the only game in town. There are some other interesting interval patterns, too. And as it turns out, they’re all basic variations on … you guessed it … the major scale.
Next to the major scale, the second most popular note pattern has got to be the “natural minor scale.” It’s used a lot in music. And, unlike the major scale—which sounds bright and happy—the minor scale sounds kind of dark and sad. It’s sort of a ying-yang thing.
Anyway, here’s how you play it. Start out like you’re playing a happy major scale … but then lower (or flatten) notes 3, 6, and 7 … like this:
It’s pretty easy, actually. But the effect is noticeably dark. The minor scale simply shifts a couple of intervals … so you play notes b3, b6, and b7. Like before, you hit the first half of the scale with your left hand (1, 2, b3, 4) … and then you play the second half with your right hand (5, b6, b7, 8).
Back in the day, musicians liked this scale so much that they even came up with different versions of it … including the “harmonic” minor scale and the “melodic” minor scale. The difference between each pattern is only slight, so you have to listen for it. But it’s noticeable. For example, try playing the harmonic minor scale first. It’s a lot like the natural minor scale … only it has a natural 7 note instead of a b7:
Then try playing the melodic minor scale, which is basically just a major scale pattern with a flatted-third note (b3). Can you hear the difference between these scales? Each one sounds a little melancholy, but they’re all unique. (And we’ll look at how they’re used in music coming right up.)
Another popular scale you’ve probably heard is the “pentatonic” scale, which is used a lot in country western music. Just like the minor scale, the pentatonic scale is also based on the major scale pattern. Only it has just five notes (… because the term penta means “five” in Greek). To play it, start out like you’re going through the major scale pattern … but then skip notes 4 and 7. Somehow, this pattern sounds even brighter and happier than the major scale pattern, itself.
Finally, let’s look at the “blues” scale pattern. Just like any other scale, this pattern is also based on the basic major scale. And it’s especially popular in blues and jazz music. (The “blues” is a style of music … not the color blue.) You play it like this:
Of course, there are many other scales in music. And we’ll look those other patterns later. But, for now, try playing through these minor, pentatonic, and blues scales to get a feel for how they sound. And just as you’d expect, they work the same way in every key. So let’s practice these patterns starting on each note of the chromatic scale. And as we do, our minds will totally expand.