RUDIMENTS AND THEORIES OF MUSIC

INTRODUCTION TO SCALES

1. DIATONIC MAJOR SCALES (C MAJOR)

A scale is a group of notes in succession. There are many different types of scales but there are two most common types of scale such as major and minor scales. There are twelve pitches in standard western music .After the twelve, the pitches repeat but in the next higher register or octave. Once aperson understands the concept of intervals, scales will be pretty easy to grasp since they are just made of a series of intervals.

Figure out the scales in any of the keys you are searching for by knowing the interval ‘formula’. For instance ,W is a whole step and H is a half step .A half step is the smallest interval available on the piano and will be one key away from the starting note. A whole key is made of two half steps so it will be two keys away from the starting note. Also include theblack keys when counting steps. Major scale formula – W-W-H-W-W-H. With this formula, figure out the C Major, first start with the root note C and follow the formula.

A whole step from C is D

A whole step from D is E

A half step from E is F

A whole step from F is G

A whole step from G is A

A whole step from A is B

A half step from B is C, back to the top.

WRITING MAJOR SCALES IN ANY KEY

The above major scale is basic to write in any key. Write the major scale for other keys. Find a hard key to mix it up; F sharp (h)

A whole step key from F is G

A whole step from G is A

A half step from A is B

A whole step from B is C

A whole step from C is D

A whole step from D is E

A half step from Eis F

And we are back at the top.

F Major Scale

F – G – A – B – C D – E

KEY C MAJOR SCALE

The key of C is a major scale .It is the only natural scale such that all the keys or notes are all white which can be observed on the piano forte keyboard.

EVALUATION

Define scale.
Construct the scale of C major.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

Mention types of accidentals in music.
What is the other name for treble and bass clef respectively?
How many notes make up a triad chord in music?
On what material is a printed music with specific notes on the stave presented.
Which musical note is a quarter note in music?

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

How many English alphabets make up the keys or notes on the keyboard? (a) 3 (b) 7 (c) 4 (d) 2
What key does the diatonic major scale of C major begin? (a) D (b) E (c) C (d) F
What is the technical name for the first note or key in the scale of C major? (a) Tonic (b) Super tonic (c) Mediant (d) Sub dominant
AC. major diatonic scale progresses from __to __. (a) C-D (b) C-C (c) C-G (d) C-A
5.A set of musical notes in varied keys moving up and down a staff is called _____ a)trial b) scale c) cadence d) chord.