6.16 The A flat major scale

 

Category: Harmony | Tags: Major scales

Theory

In this chapter, you’ll learn how you can make the A flat major scale by applying the sequence: whole - whole - half - whole - whole - whole - half, starting from A flat. You’ll also learn how to play the A flat major scale on the piano.


1. The structure of the A flat major scale

Every major scale consists of the following sequence: whole - whole - half - whole - whole - whole - half. When you apply this sequence starting from A flat, you get the tones Ab Bb C Db Eb F G Ab.

 

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Examples

Which tones will you get if you construct a major scale, starting from A flat?

note example

piano example

 

The A flat major scale is comprised of the notes: Ab Bb C Db Eb F G Ab.
The A flat major scale has four flats: B flat, E flat, A flat and D flat.


2. The A flat major scale played on the piano

The A flat major scale ascending and descending, played by the right hand over one and over two octaves.

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The fingering of the A flat major scale played with the right hand.

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The A flat major scale ascending and descending, played by the left hand over one and over two octaves.

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The fingering of the A flat major scale played with the left hand.

note example