Scales / Chords

After mastering a one octave chromatic scale, you will have all of the necessary information for learning scales in all twelve keys.

1. Understand the concept of half steps and whole steps.

2. Understand the concept of the circle of fourths (C,F,Bb etc.).

3. Say note names in the circle of fourths aloud for aural reinforcement and start to memorize the circle of fourths and the appropriate key signatures.

4. Play the notes in the circle of fourths. It is important that you understand which note to begin on depending on the transposition of your instrument.

5. Progress at your own rate; do not rush through this without fully understanding it! Learn one step of the major scale at a time but in all keys. (WWHWWWH)

6. The following digital exercises are very useful in this process.  Play through the patterns in the circle of fourths using swing and straight eighth notes.  When you get to the arpeggios, you are ready to learn about chords.

Patterns of scale degrees

121

12321

131

1234321

123454321

1234531

1354321

13531

12345654321

1234567654321

1234567531

1357654321

1357531

123456787654321

1234567897531

135797654321

135797531

7. After the major scales have been mastered, the same process can be used to learn mixolydian, dorian, locrian, pentatonic, and the blues scales.

The following patterns should be used for Ionian (major), Mixolydian, Dorian minor, and Locrian scales. 

The eighth notes should be performed in a legato swing feel using the given articulations. 

The exercise should be performed through the circle of fourths (C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, B, E, A, D, G) beginning with the metronome on beats 2 & 4 in 4/4 time at a

tempo of half note = 60-72.

Students should increase the tempo as technique increases.

Click on the sheet music to the left for an example of scale/chord patterns in treble clef.

Click on the sheet music to the right for an example of scale/chord patterns in bass clef