Working out a scale
Worked example: D major
- Write the letters first, from D up to D.
- E to F is a semitone, but 2 to 3 needs a tone. So F becomes F sharp.
- B to C is a semitone, but 6 to 7 needs a tone, so C becomes C sharp.
- Check the semitones: 3 to 4 and 7 to 8. Both are right.
Going up and coming down
A scale can be written going up or coming down. The notes are the same, in reverse order. Coming down, the semitones are 8 to 7 and 4 to 3.
Quick check
G major is coming down from the top G. Which note comes next?
Scales in the exam
In the exam, scales are written in semibreves, one octave. Each sharp or flat goes just in front of its note.
Quick check
Which note value are exam scales written in?
Remember
- Letters first, then fix each step to the pattern.
- Coming down: the same notes in reverse order.
- Exam scales: semibreves, one octave.
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