Scale
A Major Scale
Interactive keyboard
Highlighted notes form this scale.
Notes
A · B · C♯ · D · E · F♯ · G♯
Root: A
Intervals
1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7
How it is built
This scale starts on A and applies the intervals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. The result contains 7 distinct pitch classes per octave.
Explore related combinations
Guide and musical context
About A Major Scale
A Major Scale uses the notes A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G♯. Its character is clear, balanced and strongly associated with major tonality.
Character and sound
Clear, balanced and strongly associated with major tonality.
Musical context and history
The major scale is the central reference of the major tonal system and matches the modern Ionian mode. Its whole–whole–half–whole–whole–whole–half pattern organizes countless melodies and harmonies.
How and where it is used
Use it for melody, improvisation and diatonic chord building in pop, rock, folk, classical, jazz and many other styles.
In Theory view you can hear the pitch collection without depending on a specific fingering. Then switch to Piano, Guitar, Ukulele or Mandolin to see how the same notes are physically distributed on each instrument.
Harmonic and musical relationships
The relative minor of this scale is F♯ and uses exactly the same notes with a different tonal center.
The formula on this page is 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 and, from A, produces the notes A · B · C♯ · D · E · F♯ · G♯.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the A Major Scale?
The notes are A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G♯.
What is its interval formula?
The formula is 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7.
How does it sound and what is it used for?
Clear, balanced and strongly associated with major tonality. Use it for melody, improvisation and diatonic chord building in pop, rock, folk, classical, jazz and many other styles.
Can I view it on a specific instrument?
Yes. Use the selector near the top to switch between Piano, Guitar, Ukulele and Mandolin without changing the musical combination you are studying.