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2.6 · Major Scale

Melodies in the scale

Here are three melodies you already know. Every note of them comes from the seven notes of C major. A melody is just a scale, walked with intent.

Three tunes, one scale

Pick a home key, then play each tune and watch the keyboard: nothing but C major's seven notes, all the way through. The notes light up below as they sound, each wearing its scale degree. Shapes mark three rungs: 1 wears the star, 3 the triangle, 5 the pentagon.

Home note · sets the key
Three tunes · pick one to play

Each tune walks the same scale its own way.

The notes of the tune · play one above

Every note appears here with its scale degree, and lights as it plays.

Steps and skips

Melodies move in two ways: a step to the very next scale note, or a skipover one or more of them. Most tunes mostly step; that's what makes them singable. Skips add the drama.

Quiz

1 / 4

Listen: is this melody stepping or leaping?

Listen first. Then answer.
Score 100% on every quiz and game to complete this lesson.Stacking thirds →