Scale/chord theory basics

mike_l

Scale formulation.

To form a major scale, the formula is
tone, tone, semitone, tone, tone, tone, semitome.
So, using the Cmajor (no sharps/flats) scale you have
C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C.
C-D is 2 frets, or a whole tone, same as D-E, F-G, G-A  & A-B
E-F is 1 fret, or a semi-tone, as is B-C.

All major scales are formed this way.

 

To form a natural minor scale

 the formula is
Tone, semi-tone, tone, tone, semi-tone, tone, tone
The relative minor of C major is A minor, which is the notes
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A
A-B is 2 frets, or a whole tone, same for C-D, D-E, F-G and G-A.
E-F is 1 fret, or a semi tone, as is B-C.

 

Chord formulation (from a major scale)

Again using the C major scale.
To find the chords in a scale, you will use 3 notes (extensions will come later)
The first, third and fifth,
So from a C major scale, the chords are C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am B diminished, C.
The notes in these chords are
Cmajor C-E-G
Dminor D-F-A
Eminor E-G-B
Fmajor F-A-C
Gmajor G-B-D
Aminor A-C-E
Bdiminished B-D-F

The formula for each of these chord types is
Major -  Root, Major third, fifth
Minor - Root, minor third, fifth
Diminished - Root, Minor third, flat fifth

The chord sequence for major scales is always major, minor, minor, major, major, minor, diminished

Power chords (fifth chord) are similar to major, or minor chords, but have no third, allowing them to be neither major or minor chord types.
Their formula is Root/fifth.

 Thanks to BigJon (formerly BJ) for proof-reading and checking me on this

ChristophEar

Nice summary!

Here's a 10min vid about constructing the major scale. There's more from the same guy on constructing other types of scales, triads and chords, etc.

mike_l

Thanks Dude.

I hope that someone will get use from it.

 

If someone (a better musician than me) could do chord extensions, and possibly modes, I'm sure they would be much appreciated.

ddlooping

Thanks, @mike_l, you've been "Wisdomed".
Keep in mind that you can format some of the text: bold, headings, lists...

mike_l

Thanks for the feedback DDL.

I did it quickly last night, so it was ready for today. Is it possible to edit posts?

If yes, I'll go and amend to your good suggestions.

ChristophEar

@mike_l: You should get a little "gear" icon when you hover over the post, and if you click that there's an option to Edit.

mike_l

Thank you.

Original Edited for less jumbled, more spacious easier to read

Fretwired

Good stuff guys ... here's something on modes ... http://robinmay.co.uk/index.php/modes-where-

viz

Good videos.