INTERVALS, SCALES & CHORDS

INTERVALS The smallest distance between 2 notes is a half step (or a semi-tone). C-Db, E-F

INTERVALS A whole step (or whole tone) is equal to 2 half steps. One note or fret is skipped. A-B, E-F#, Db - Eb

QUIZ Name the note that is a half step lower than - C - F - Gb - Bb Name the note that is a half step higher than G - C A# - Eb Name the note that is a whole step higher than E - F# G - Bb

QUIZ #2 Name the note that is – 3 half steps lower than B 2 whole steps higher than Eb 4 half steps higher than F# 3 whole steps lower than C 6 half steps above D# 5 half steps lower than Ab

INTERVALS An octave is the distance of 8 notes or 12 half steps (or frets). The 2 notes have the same letter name. C#-C#, F-F, Gb-Gb

Scales A pattern of whole steps and/or half steps over the distance of one octave. Whole tone scale – uses only whole steps Chromatic scale – uses only half steps (slide from open to 12th fret on any guitar string)

MAJOR SCALE The pattern is always W W H W W W H Begin and end on the same note name Write out letter names first Mark the pattern below. Use a keyboard/guitar sheet to add # or b needed to make the letter names fit the pattern.

E major scale E F G A B C D E w w h w w w h E F# G# A B C# D# E

MAJOR SCALES Every major scale has a different number of sharps and flats. C major is the only major scale to have no sharps or flats. The accidentals used in a major scale make up the key signature of a piece of music.

KEY SIGNATURES

KEY SIGNATURES with SHARPS The order of sharps in every major scale is F C G D A E B The name of the scale is a half step higher than the last sharp. Ex. A key signature with 3 sharps has FCG#. A half step higher than G# is A.

KEY SIGNATURES with FLATS The order of flats in every key signature is B E A D G C F The name of the scale is the second to last flat in the key signature. Ex. A key signature with 4 flats has BEADb. The second to last flat is Ab and is the name of the scale. F major only has 1 flat (Bb) and must be remembered. C major has no sharps or flats.

Identify the scale

SCALE DEGREE NAMES TONIC (I) first note of scale SUBDOMINANT (IV) 4th note of scale DOMINANT (V) 5th note of scale SUBMEDIANT (vi) 6th note of scale LEADING TONE (vii) 7th note of scale, half step below tonic The key signature applies. Be sure to check it.

SCALE DEGREE NAMES QUIZ The tonic of A flat major is ___ The dominant of B major is ___ The leading tone of ___ is G#. The ___ of B flat major is E flat. G# is the dominant of ___ major. B# is the leading tone of ___ In an F major scale, ___ is the subdominant note.

MINOR SCALES There are 3 types of minor scales, all of which are based on major key signatures. Ancient or natural minor scales are not used much. Harmonic minor scales are the most common. Melodic minor scales are unique in that the scale is not the same descending as it is ascending.

RELATIVE MAJOR All minor scales use the key signature of the major scale that begins 3 half steps higher. Quiz Name the relative major of F minor E flat minor C# minor What is the relative minor of B major?

HARMONIC MINOR SCALES There is no need to use a pattern when drawing minor scales. Find the relative major and draw its key signature. Draw the notes of the scale being sure to start on the minor note. Raise the 7th note of the minor scale a half step to create a leading tone.

B HARMONIC MINOR SCALE relative major – D major

MELODIC MINOR SCALES Find the relative major and draw its key signature. Draw the notes of the scale being sure to start on the minor note. Draw the scale ascending and descending. Raise the 6th and 7th notes of the minor scale a half step ascending. Descending lower the same 2 notes back to their original position.

B melodic minor scale relative major – D major

CHORDS 2 or more notes played together A triad is a 3 note chord. A tone cluster is a random group of notes, or when you lay your hand across several keys.

MAJOR CHORDS Usually built on the first, fourth and fifth notes of the scale. Contains the notes of a major scale. Sounds “happy” or “bright”

MINOR CHORDS The middle note is a half step lower than that of a major chord. Sounds “dark” or “sad”. Often built on the sixth (relative minor) note of the major scale.

SEVENTH CHORD A 4 note chord based on either a major or minor chord. The extra note is 7 higher, or a whole step lower, than the root note (name) of the chord. This note does not always fit the key signature. Sevenths may be added to any chord but most often added to the dominant chord.