Major - Piano
The major scale is the most fundamental and universal of all scales. Its bright and joyful character makes it the foundation of most Western music.
Intervals table
| Degree | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interval | Root | Major second | Major third | Perfect fourth | Perfect fifth | Major sixth | Major seventh |
| Semitones | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 |
Formula: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7
Theoretical construction
The major scale is built from a specific series of intervals: a major second (2 half steps), another major second, a minor second (1 half step), then three major seconds, and finally a minor second to return to the octave. This structure creates the degrees I-II-III-IV-V-VI-VII that form the basis of tonal harmony. The third degree (major third) is particularly important as it gives the scale its major character.
Position examples
Example with A Major
