Music Scales Library

Master guitar and piano scales with interactive fretboard diagrams, keyboard patterns, and complete music theory. From beginner major scales to advanced modes.

Most Searched Scales

C Major Scale
Foundation of music theory
Pentatonic Scale
Perfect for melodies
Minor Scale
Essential minor scale
Blues Scale
Blues and rock foundation
G Major Scale
Popular in rock music

Beginner Scales

Essential scales every musician should learn first

C Major
beginnerhighest
The foundation of music theory. All white keys on piano.

Pattern:

W-W-H-W-W-W-H

A Minor
beginnerhighest
Natural minor scale. Relative minor of C major.

Pattern:

W-H-W-W-H-W-W

G Major
beginnerhigh
Popular in rock and folk music. One sharp (F#).

Pattern:

W-W-H-W-W-W-H

Major Pentatonic
beginnerhigh
Five-note scale perfect for melodies and solos.

Pattern:

W-W-W+H-W-W+H

Minor Pentatonic
beginnerhighest
The foundation of blues and rock guitar solos.

Pattern:

W+H-W-W-W+H-W

Intermediate Scales

Expand your musical vocabulary with these essential scales

Blues Scale
intermediatehigh
Minor pentatonic with added flat 5. Essential for blues.

Pattern:

W+H-W-H-H-W+H-W

Dorian
intermediatemedium
Minor scale with natural 6th. Jazz and folk favorite.

Pattern:

W-H-W-W-W-H-W

Mixolydian
intermediatemedium
Major scale with flat 7th. The dominant scale.

Pattern:

W-W-H-W-W-H-W

Advanced Scales

Complex scales for sophisticated musical expression

Harmonic Minor
advancedmedium
Minor scale with raised 7th. Exotic, classical sound.

Pattern:

W-H-W-W-H-W+H-H

Melodic Minor
advancedlow
Minor with raised 6th and 7th. Jazz harmony foundation.

Pattern:

W-H-W-W-W-W-H

How to Learn Scales

Guitar Scales
Master the fretboard
  • • Learn scale patterns and positions
  • • Practice with backing tracks
  • • Master bending and vibrato
  • • Apply scales to improvisation
Piano Scales
Keyboard technique
  • • Perfect your fingering technique
  • • Practice hands separately first
  • • Work on evenness and dynamics
  • • Build speed gradually
Music Theory
Understand the why
  • • Learn interval relationships
  • • Understand scale degrees
  • • Study chord-scale theory
  • • Explore modes and variations
Scale Practice Tips
🎯

Start Simple

Begin with major and minor pentatonic scales. Master these before moving to more complex scales.

⏰

Practice Daily

15 minutes of focused scale practice daily is better than longer, infrequent sessions.

🎵

Use a Metronome

Start slow and gradually increase tempo. Focus on evenness and accuracy over speed.

🎸

Apply Musically

Practice scales within songs and improvisations, not just as exercises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What scale should I learn first?

Start with the C major scale (all white keys on piano) and the minor pentatonic scale. These are the foundation of most Western music and will give you the biggest return on investment.

How many scales should I know?

Focus on mastering 5-10 essential scales rather than learning many superficially. Major, minor, pentatonic (major and minor), blues, and Dorian will cover most musical situations.

What's the difference between scales and modes?

Modes are variations of the major scale starting from different degrees. For example, Dorian is the major scale starting from the 2nd degree. Each mode has its own unique character and sound.

How do scales relate to chords?

Chords are built from scale notes. Understanding scales helps you see chord relationships, improvise over chord progressions, and compose melodies that fit the harmony.