Scales & Keys
How notes are organised into scales, and what being in a key means.
What is a Scale?
Learn what a scale is and why certain notes sound good together. Explore major, minor, and other scale types with playable audio examples.
The Major Scale
The major scale explained - learn the W-W-H-W-W-W-H interval pattern that defines bright, happy music. Hear it in any key with audio examples. Free lesson.
The Natural Minor Scale
The natural minor scale explained - the W-H-W-W-H-W-W pattern, relative major/minor relationships, and why minor sounds darker. Free audio examples.
Harmonic & Melodic Minor
Harmonic and melodic minor scales explained - how raising the 7th degree creates tension, resolution, and smoother melodies. Free interactive lesson.
Pentatonic Scales
The pentatonic scale explained - five notes that always sound good. Learn major and minor pentatonic patterns with playable audio examples.
The Blues Scale
The blues scale explained - one extra note (the blue note) added to the minor pentatonic that gives blues, rock, and jazz their character. Free lesson.
What is a Key?
What a musical key is, how key signatures work, and the relationship between relative major and minor keys. Free interactive lesson.
The Circle of Fifths
The circle of fifths explained simply - how all 12 keys relate, key signatures, and how to use it for songwriting. Interactive visual diagram.
Modes (Introduction)
Music modes explained simply - Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian. Hear each mode with interactive pianos. Free lesson.
Modes (In Practice)
How to use modes in practice - which genres use Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, and Mixolydian, and how to make them work in your music. Free lesson.