MAJOR SCALES

Methods Of Constructing Scales

There are two methods of constructing scales, namely with and without key signatures. To construct a scale with key signature, the key signature is written at the beginning of the staff after the clef.

Fixing of Major Keys with Sharp Key Signature into Staff or Stave

Construction of key G major scale with key signature

G major uses one sharp as key signature. This sharp is written at the beginning of the staff after the clef. Then the scale is written beginning with the tonic G and runs through to the octave (the upper tonic) G.

G Major With Key Signature

Another method of scale construction is without key signature. In this method, the key signature is not written at the beginning of the staff, rather the accidentals (sharps or flats) are written inside the staff beside the notes that require them. Examples:

G Major Without Key Signature

D Major Scale With and Without Key Signature

MUSICAL TERMS

Evaluation

1. Without key signature, construct key E major scale on the manuscript.