1.14 The C major scale
Category: Harmony | Tags: Major scales, Ear training: scales |
Theory
In this chapter, you’ll learn how you can make the C major scale by applying the sequence: whole - whole - half - whole - whole - whole - half, starting from C. In the ear training exercise, you’ll learn how to recognize an wrongly played note in the C major scale - and, you’ll learn how to play the C major scale on the piano.
1. The structure of the C major scale
Every major scale consists of the following sequence: whole - whole - half - whole - whole - whole - half. When you apply this sequence starting from C, you get the tones C D E F G A B C.
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Examples
Which tones will you get if you construct a major scale, starting from C?
The C major scale is comprised of the notes: C D E F G A B C.
The C major scale has no sharps or flats. There are no accidentals notated.
2. Ear training
Listen to the sound of the C major scale.
The C major scale
Practise
Ear Training exercise 1i: practise being able to hear a wrongly played note in the C major scale.
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In the next scale a wrong note is played:
Which note is played incorrectly?
Practical steps
The notated scale is the C major scale. Sing the scale being played to train your inner hearing abilties. Listen to how this scale differs from the major scale.
Answer: the wrong note being played is the fourth note F.
3. The C major scale played on the piano
The C major scale ascending and descending, played by the right hand over one and over two octaves.
The fingering of the C major scale played with the right hand.
The C major scale ascending and descending, played by the left hand over one and over two octaves.
The fingering of the C major scale played with the left hand.
Summary
The C major scale is comprised of the notes C D E F G A B C.
The C major scale has no sharps or flats.
Ear training
Ear Training exercise 1i: practise being able to hear a wrongly played note in the C major scale.
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