- Scale = a group of pitches arranged in steps around a tonic, which is a keynote
Major Scale (diatonic scale)
- contains seven notes arranged in a specific pattern above the tonic
The formula for the major scale:
- Half steps occur between the 3rd and 4th degrees and the 7th and 8th degrees
- the scale can be transposed to any key (the letter name of the tonic) and still have the same sound
The C Major Scale
- Half steps occur between E-F and B-C (naturally occuring half steps)
Sharp sign (#)
- applies to raise a half step of a note
e.g. G major Scale
- F is raised to F# (“F sharp”) => the G scale fits the major scale formula
Key Signature
- For convenience, the sharps are indicated at the beginning of a piece of music next to the clef sign => key signature (meaning that all sharps are to be automatically applied thoughtout the piece in all octaves)
- Written on the staff in a spectific octave and order: F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#, B# (Fat Cat Goes Down And Eat Boy)
- To memorize the key signatures of sharp keys: Go Down And Eat BreakFast Charlie!
- To recognize sharp key signatures: one half step above the last sharp to the right = the key signature
