Re: More questions on scales

Dylan wrote:
> It seems like sclaes theory is quite im****tant for playing improv. so
> I've got a few more newbie questions.
> 
> If I know the scale in C, is there a rule I can learn for changing
> keys?
> 
> Why does the minor scale have flattened 3rd, 6th and 7th notes?
> 
> Kind regards
> Dylan

1. When spelling any major scale we use all 7 letter names.

2. Observe the numbers of semitones between each note in the C major
scale:
C D E F G A B C
  2 2 1 2 2 2 1
This pattern of semitones will be the same for any major scale.

So, if we want to construct some other major scale, we start with a 
note, lay out the other letter names, and then adjust the distances 
between the notes with sharps or flats to fit the 2212221 pattern of 
semitones.

Eg. Forming the G major scale:
G A B C D E F G
  2 2 1 2 2 1 2
That's the wrong pattern of semitones for a major scale. But if change F 
to F# we get the right pattern:
G A B C D E F# G
  2 2 1 2 2 2  1

Eg. The F major scale:
F G A B C D E F
  2 2 2 1 2 2 1
Wrong pattern unless we change B to Bb:
F G A Bb C D E F
  2 2 1  2 2 2 1



-- 
Joey Goldstein
<http://www.joeygoldstein.com>
<http://homepage.mac.com/josephgoldstein/AudioClips/audio.htm>
joegold AT sympatico DOT ca