Music Theory & Composition

Major Scale

Japanese name
メジャースケール

The major scale is the scale built from the pattern whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half. It usually feels bright and open, and it is the basis of songwriting.

The basic idea

C major can be played on the white keys alone, making it the easiest example to check on a keyboard or in the piano roll.

What to check when using it

Once you have chosen a key, try melodies and chords using that key’s major scale.

The minor scale has a different order of intervals, and the impression of the song changes with it.

Sources & review

Last reviewed July 16, 2026

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