| SCALE | # OF NOTES |
|---|---|
| Chromatic | 12 |
| Major | 7 |
| Lydian | 7 |
| Mixolydian | 7 |
| Minor | 7 |
| Dorian | 7 |
| Phrygian | 7 |
| Locrian | 7 |
| Pentatonic | 5 |
The scale table lists the scales covered in this part of the guide and the number of notes they contain.
A scale is a series of notes chosen from a particular tuning system and arranged in a specific order.
The tuning system we use is 12TET.
The chromatic scale contains all twelve notes in 12TET. It is used to write atonal melody.
All scales, other than the chromatic scale, are tonal, meaning they have a definite key and are identifiable by their key signature.
Scales with 7 notes taken from 12TET tuning are popular. They include the modes with the major scale, the lydian and mixolydian modes, the dorian and phrygian modes and the locrian mode. There are three different minor scales to have a look at as well.
The pentatonic scale is a good example of a small scale with 5 notes.
Ambiguity in the terms used to describe scales is covered in the final chapter on diatonic and chromatic.
There are lots more scales to explore in 12TET and other tuning systems. This list of scales and modes includes around 60 scales and gives you a pretty good idea of what is currently available. There are plenty of scales still waiting to be discovered, and absolutely nothing to stop you from inventing your own.
