Definition of Scale (music)
In music theory, a scale is "any consecutive series of notes that form a progression between one note and its octave", typically by order of pitch or fundamental frequency.
The word scale originates from the Latin scala, which literally means "ladder". Therefore, any scale is distinguishable by its "step-pattern", or how its intervals interact with each other.
Often, especially in the context of the common practice period, most or all of the melody and harmony of a musical work is built using the notes of a single scale, which can be conveniently represented on a staff with a standard key signature.
Terms mentioned above
Related terms
Pitch class space
In music theory, pitch-class space is the circular space representing all the notes…
Chromatic hexachord
In music theory, the chromatic hexachord is the hexachord consisting of a consecutive…
Circle of thirds
In music theory, the circle of thirds, also known as the cycle of thirds, is a way of…
Enharmonic scale
In music theory, an enharmonic scale is an ancient Greek musical scale which contains…
Pitch space
In music theory, pitch spaces model relationships between pitches. These models…
Chromatic scale
In Western music, a chromatic scale (or twelve-tone scale) is a set of twelve pitches…
Ditonic scale
A ditonic scale is a musical scale or mode with two notes per octave. This is in…
Tetrachord
In music theory, a tetrachord (Greek: τετράχορδoν; Latin: tetrachordum) is a series of…
Hexatonic scale
In music and music theory, a hexatonic scale is a scale with six pitches or notes per…
Questions people ask
Real questions from the Stack Exchange community – follow a link to read the discussion.
- What is the difference between a mode and a scale? · Music SE
- The major scale - why and how? · Music SE
- How does scale length affect my playing? · Music SE
- Why does the scale have seven (or five) notes? Why not six? · Music SE
- What are the disadvantages of buying a short-scale bass guitar · Music SE
- What is the first scale one should learn on guitar · Music SE
Frequently asked questions
What is Scale (music)?
In music theory, a scale is "any consecutive series of notes that form a progression between one note and its octave", typically by order of pitch or fundamental frequency.