What is the Formula for Piano Scales? Cracking the Code

If you're venturing into the world of piano playing, understanding scales is crucial. They serve as the foundation for understanding melodies, harmonies, chords and the structure of music.

However, navigating through the wide array of scales and their seemingly complicated structures might feel a bit overwhelming.

The good news? There's a formula to it!

Let's dive in and break down the secret code that underpins all piano scales.

Terms You Need to Know First

Before we get into scales, there are two terms you need to know and understand. We use these to talk about the formula for scales.

A Half-Step or Semitone

A semitone, also referred to as a half-step, is the distance from one key to the very next key (either white or black).

An example of this is C to C#. Another is B to C.

A Whole-Step or Whole Tone

A whole tone, also known as a tone or whole step, is equivalent to two half-steps.

An example of this is C to D. Another example is E to F#.

Now that you understand whole tones and semitones, we can move onto the learning the different scale formulas.

Major Scales Formula

Major scales have a bright and happy sound to them. They are made up of seven different notes (eight including the octave note) and are defined by a specific pattern of whole and semitones.

The formula for a major scale is:

Whole tone - whole tone - semitone - whole tone - whole tone - whole tone - semitone.

For example, let's construct the C Major scale using this formula. Start with the note C, and apply the formula:

C (start)
D (whole tone from C)
E (whole tone from D)
F (semitone from E)
G (whole tone from F)
A (whole tone from G)
B (whole tone from A)
C (semitone from B)

And now you have the C Major scale: C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C

Natural Minor Scale Formula

Minor scales, like the natural minor scale and harmonic minor scale below, have different formulas and as a result, a different sound.

The natural minor scale formula is:

Whole tone - semitone - whole tone - whole tone - semitone - whole tone - whole tone.

We can create the A minor scale this way:

A (start)
B (whole tone from A)
C (semitone from B)
D (whole tone from C)
E (whole tone from D)
F (semitone from E)
G (whole tone from F)
A (whole tone from G)

And there you have it, the A minor scale: A - B - C - D - E - F - G - A

Harmonic Minor Scale Formula

Natural minor scales are fine to play but many (including myself) prefer harmonic minor scales. With harmonic minors, we raise the 7th note, changing the order of whole tones and semitones and in fact, adding a whole new space in there.

The harmonic minor scale formula is:

Whole tone - semitone - whole tone - whole tone - semitone - whole tone + semitone - semitone

We can create the A minor scale this way:

A (start)
B (whole tone from A)
C (semitone from B)
D (whole tone from C)
E (whole tone from D)
F (semitone from E)
G# (whole tone & one semitone from F)
A (semitone from G#)

Now A minor scale is: A - B - C - D - E - F - G# - A

There Are A Lot of Types of Scales

While major and natural minor scales form the foundation of Western music, many other scales exist, each with their unique formula and character. These include the melodic minor scale, pentatonic scale, blues scale, and more.

Each scale has its unique formula based on whole and half steps. Exploring these can open up a fascinating array of sounds and moods for you to practice and learn from. Different scales can help with different areas of improvising as well.

Have We Answered: "What is the formula for piano scales?"

The main scale formulas that you need to really understand are the major scales and minor scales.

If you are learning these scales in order to play them, why don't you check out:

By understanding the formula behind scales, you unlock the ability to play in any key, transpose music, improvise, and so much more. You begin to see the patterns in music and how different elements connect with each other.

In short, you gain a deeper understanding of the music you play, which in turn can greatly enhance your musical expressivity and creativity.

The concept of scales might seem a bit complex initially, but with consistent practice and application of the right formulas, it becomes second nature.

Remember, the journey of music is one of continuous learning, exploration, and above all, enjoyment. So keep practicing, stay curious, and let your musical journey unfold one scale at a time. Happy playing!

More pages that might help:

Minor Scales
Here are all the minor scales for sharp and flat key signatures. They're written both in natural and harmonic forms.
Why Learn Piano Scales - 5 Important Reasons
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C Major Scale On Piano: Notes, Fingering & How To
How to play the C major scale on the piano with fingering for piano, the notes of the scale and how to play it.
Piano Scales For Beginners: Easily Get Started Playing Scales
Just learning? Here are the piano scales for beginners to start with along with essential info you need to understand.
Bass Clef Scales ((Major Scales)
The bass clef scales written with their key signatures and note names.
List of Musical Scales
A list of musical scales including major, minor, and chromatic scales ((plus a few more).
Pentatonic Scales
Pentatonic scales in every key with their notations.
11 Different Ways To Practice Piano Scales
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A Flat Major Scale on Piano, Fingering, Notes & How To
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How to play the D Major Scale on piano with notes, fingering diagrams and how to video.
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See all of the piano music scales and learn what fingers to use in the scale.
E Major Scale on Piano: Notes, Fingering & How To Play It
How to play the E major scale on piano with notes, fingering or finger patterns, key signature and more!
What Are Major Scales: Explainer
Here's a great explainer regarding what are major scales. This explanation works well for those learning piano.
Music Scale Modes
Learn the 7 different music scale modes, what notes they start on and what they are called.
A Major Scale On Piano, How To with Notes & Fingering
How to play A major scale (with sharps) on piano. Notes, video and fingering to help you get playing.
Master Scale Fingering For Piano in 5 Steps
Here is the basic scale fingering for piano that you can use for many of the major and minor scales on piano.
The Essential Major Scales Challenge
Join the essential major scales challenge here for learning piano scales.
B Flat Major Scale on Piano: Notes, Fingering & How To Play It
How to play the B flat major scale on piano with notes, fingering or finger patterns, pictures and key signature.
F Major Scale on Piano: Notes, Fingering & How To Play It
How to play F major scale on the piano with notes of the scale, fingering or finger patterns for piano and pictures!
Piano Scales Video Lesson
Learn all the fingerings for major piano scales. Watch the video to see the proper technique for playing a scale.
E Flat Major Scale on Piano: Notes, Fingering & How To
Learn how to play the E flat major scale on piano with notes, fingering for right hand and left hand, key signature and more!
All 12 Major Scales
Find all 12 Major Scales written in the treble clef! All major scales written in music with key signatures and how to make them.
G Major Scale on Piano: Notes & Fingering
The G major scale on piano with notes in treble and bass clefs and fingering / finger patterns.