Basic Keyboard Theory

student assignment sheet

Understanding Major Scales

A major scale is a combination of notes in a specific order of whole and half steps. All the notes
are a whole step apart, except for two half steps: the one between the third and fourth degrees
of the scale, and the one between the seventh and eighth degrees.
The diagram below shows a major scale beginning on the note C and the placement of
whole and half steps in relation to each degree of the scale.

93

Assignment:
Using the combination of whole and half steps described for a major scale, record one octave
of each of the following major scales:

1. C major
2. F major
3. G major
4. A major
5. D major
6. B ♭ major
7. E major

Procedure:
 1. Open a new file: File > New.
 2. Create a software instrument track for each of the scales you will record and choose a regu-
lar piano sound.
 3. Slow the click down to a speed where you can play the scale accurately, one note per click,
without stopping.
 4. Record one octave of C major scale on track 1, one note per click.
 5. Quantize.
 6. Play back and listen to the scale after you have recorded it.
 7. Record one octave of F major scale on track 2.
 8. Quantize.
 9. Play back and listen to the scale after you have recorded it.
10. Continue recording and quantizing one scale per track.
11. Play back and listen to each scale after you have recorded each scale.