Hello dear folks,
I have a relatively silly question. [br][br]
Is a major scale the basis of all other scales? What I mean by that is
Major Scale = R 2 3 4 5 6 7
So, when one says
Harmonic Minor is = R 2 b3 4 5 b6 7 or
Dorian is = R 2 b3 4 5 6 b7 etc.
Does it mean take the major scale and flatten or sharpen certain notes to arrive at other scales. [br][br]
is that right understanding?
thanks for the help!
Originally Posted by: nsarunIs a major scale the basis of all other scales?[/quote][p]You could look at it that way. But it's more accurate to say the diatonic major scale is the most commonly used scale in Western music (popular styles of classical, jazz, blues, pop, rock, country, etc.). And not just the scale, but also the chords you build with & and the harmonic functions it implies. So, it's kind of the first scale in a conceptual sense. Which is why it's usually taught first.
The next scale is the diatonic minor scale. That's because it's relative to the major scale. If you start the major scale on the 6th degree, then you get the relative minor.
Depending on how far down that rabbit hole you want to go, I have an entire collection of tutorials on music theory.
https://www.guitartricks.com/collection/music-theory
Originally Posted by: nsarunHarmonic Minor is = R 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
[/quote]The harmonic minor scale is an alteration of the natural minor scale. It's called an altered minor scale.
https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=2396
[quote=nsarun]Dorian is = R 2 b3 4 5 6 b7 etc.
Dorian is the second mode of the major scale. So, it's essentially the major scale degrees but starting on the 2nd scale degree.
https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=370
[quote=nsarun]
Does it mean take the major scale and flatten or sharpen certain notes to arrive at other scales.
That is one way to look at it if it helps you! But these other scales and modes are often derived in slightly different ways. Hope that helps!
Originally Posted by: nsarunThank you, Chris! ?
You're welcome!
