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A Major Scale

Also known as: Ionian Mode

Happy, bright, and uplifting. The most fundamental scale in Western music, conveying optimism and joy.

A Major Scale Notes

A1
B2
C#3
D4
E5
F#6
G#7
A8

Notes: A - B - C# - D - E - F# - G# - A

Scale Formula & Intervals

Interval Pattern

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

W = Whole step (2 semitones), H = Half step (1 semitone)

Scale Degrees

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7

Scale degrees relative to the root note

Semitones from Root

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Famous Songs Using This Scale

1

Let It Be

The Beatles

2

Happy

Pharrell Williams

3

Ode to Joy

Beethoven

Practice Tips for A Major Scale

  • Master this scale first - it's the foundation of Western music theory
  • Practice in all 12 keys to develop muscle memory
  • Use with I-IV-V chord progressions
  • All white keys on piano when starting from C

Common Genres

PopClassicalRockJazzCountryFolk