Music Scale Calculator – Find All Music Scales

The Music Scale Calculator comes handy when composers needs to determine the specific notes in a given musical scale.

You want to know the notes in a C major scale, the calculator would show you: C, D, E, F, G, A, B. This tool saves valuable time and reduces errors when working with various scales and keys.

Music Scale Calculation Chart

Note: W = Whole step, H = Half step

Music Scale Formula

The Music Scale Formula is a specific sequence of whole steps (W) and half steps (H) that define the structure of a scale.

The major scale formula is W-W-H-W-W-W-H. Let’s apply this to a G major scale:

Start with G

W step: G to A

W step: A to B

H step: B to C

W step: C to D

W step: D to E

W step: E to F#

H step: F# back to G

The resulting G major scale is: G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G.

How to Know the Scale of a Song?

To find the scale of a song, follow these simple steps:

Identify the tonal center: Listen for the note that feels like “home” or where the song resolves.

Note the key signature: Look for sharps or flats that are consistently used.

Analyze the chord progression: The most common chords will often indicate the key.

Listen for characteristic intervals: Major or minor thirds can help distinguish between major and minor scales.

“Happy Birthday” typically resolves to C and uses no sharps or flats, indicating it’s in C major.

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana centers around F and uses a Bb, suggesting F minor.

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