A sequence of notes inside an octave. The root can be any note. So, depending on the root, the other notes that follow would use accidentals to fit the sequence. Scales is the same thing as “modes”. Here we will look at the two most common scales, the major (Ionian) scale and the natural minor (Aeolian) scale.

Major scale (Ionian)

R – 9 – 3 – 11 – 5 – 13 – 7 – R

Bold numbers are the chord tones and also are inside the octave. 9 (2), 11 (4), 13 (6) are called tensions and are written in +7 because when you stack them in 3rds, they are an octave higher. Notice the half notes between the 3 – 11 and 7 – R. So, pick a note for the root and use accidentals to fit the sequence above.

C major scale
C – D – E – F – G – A – B – C

Ab major scale
Ab – Bb – C – Db – Eb – F – G – Ab

D major scale
D – E – F# – G – A – B – C# – D

Minor scale (Aeolian)

R – 9 – b3 – 11 – 5 – b13 – b7 – R

A minor scale
A – B – C – D – E – F – G – A

D minor scale
D – E – F – G – A – Bb – C – D

F# minor scale
F# – G – A – B – C# – D – E – F#

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