3.1 Scales and Scale-Steps

L E A R N I N G   O B J E C T I V E S

1. Define scales and foundation scale-steps.
2. Define scale types.
3. The Chromatic Scale.

In examining the notation of pitch, we observe that notes climbed or “scaled” the
lines and spaces of staves from low to high. Ordered sequential collections of these
pitches are called scales (Italian:

scala

-“ladder”).

Scales

Scales are comprised of five or more pitches arranged in sequential patterns of
whole steps and half steps spanning an

octave species

. We label scales as to the

number of differing elements they contain:

1.

Pentatonic

: a five-tone scale.A true pentatonic scale divides the octave

into five-equal steps. This is true in the music of many cultures.
Because of the adopted tuning system employed by Western Music
(called equal temperament), we must employ elements larger than
whole- and half- steps when constructing pentatonic scales. Play only
the black keys on the piano and you will readily see and hear this
familiar sound.

2.

Hexatonic

: a six-tone scale.

3.

Heptatonic

: a seven-tone scale.

4.

Octatonic

: an eight-tone scale, and so forth.

Four-note sequences are called

tetrachords

(Greek: “four tones”). In this context,

they are regarded as constituent components of larger scale patterns.

Since scales are orderings of whole steps and half steps, these serve as the
foundation “building-blocks” for scale construction. As we learn to construct and
identify scales, we do so by recognizing their content in terms of

tones

(whole steps)

and

semi-tones

(half steps).Although

tone

and

semi-tone

are proper names, whole step

and half step are commonly used terms. In some instances you may encounter the
terms

whole tone

and

half tone

also. For now, avoid calling whole steps and half steps

Chapter 3 The Foundations Scale-Steps and Scales

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