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Diatonic

Major Scale

The brightest, most stable scale in Western music. The foundation of tonal harmony — every key signature is built around it.

brighthappystableresolved

Hear the Major Scale

How to Identify It

Bright, resolved, and happy. Think of Do-Re-Mi — that's the major scale. It always sounds like it wants to come home to the root note.

Famous Examples

  • Do-Re-Mi (Sound of Music)
  • Happy Birthday — major scale melody
  • Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Test your earThe recognition trainer plays random scales — identify them with instant feedback.
Open Trainer →

Major in All 12 Keys

CC#D♭DD#E♭EFF#G♭GG#A♭AA#B♭B

Often Confused With

MixolydianModesThe 5th mode of the major scale. Like major but with a flat …LydianModesThe 4th mode of the major scale. Like major but with a raise…Natural MinorDiatonicThe darker counterpart to the major scale. Melancholic, intr…

About the Major Scale

The major scale is a diatonic scale built from the interval pattern 2, 2, 1, 2, 2, 2, 1 (in whole and half steps). The brightest, most stable scale in Western music. The foundation of tonal harmony — every key signature is built around it.

To recognise the major scale reliably by ear, focus on its characteristic mood — bright, happy, stable, resolved. Use the player above to hear it in all 12 keys, and the recognition trainer to test yourself against a mixed set of scales.