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A scale is a group of notes arranged by ascending or descending order ofpitch.

Scales are important because they are a great starting point for creating ideas for melodies, bass lines and hooks.

The distance between two pitches in a scale is called an interval.

The intervals between each pitch give a scale its specific sound and feeling.

There are many different scales and some are linked to particular styles of music or geographical regions. Each scale can conjure up different feelings and moods.

Here are some of the most well known scales.

Major scale

Music using notes from a major scale often sounds happy and uplifting.

Minor scale

Minor scales will often make a song sound sad and reflective.

Whole tone scale

Whole tone scales are quite rare in pop music. They are used from time-to-time in jazz music. Music using notes from a whole tone scale can often sound dreamy.

Blues scale

Blues scales sound upbeat and are used in blues, rock and country music. They often sound great over other types of scales and appear in jazz, reggae, funk and many other genres of music.

Major pentatonic scale

Major pentatonic scales are used a lot in folk music and Chinese music. They usually have a joyful feeling. They are also very good for solos and melodies played on the guitar.