Scale Finder
Pick a root and a scale — the piano shows the notes, names them with the right spelling, and plays them back. Major, the three minors, every mode, pentatonic and blues, in all 12 keys.
Steps:
Tip: click any key to hear it. Change the root to transpose the scale instantly.
How to use the scale finder
A scale is a set of notes ordered by pitch that gives a piece its tonality. To find any scale, choose its root (the note it starts on) and its type. The keyboard lights up the notes, the row below names them, and the formula shows the pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H) between them. Because every scale of the same type shares that pattern, once you know it you can build the scale from any note.
The finder spells each scale correctly — one letter name per degree — so A major reads A B C♯ D E F♯ G♯, not with duplicate letters. Guitarists can see the same scale on the neck with the guitar scales fretboard. Looking for a specific key? Every major, minor and pentatonic scale has its own page under all scales. Use it alongside the circle of fifths to see how a key’s scale and its signature line up, and the intervals chart to hear why each step sounds the way it does.
Scales you can explore
- Major and the minors. The major scale plus natural, harmonic and melodic minor — the backbone of Western music.
- The seven modes. Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Locrian — each a different color from the same seven notes.
- Pentatonic and blues. The five-note major and minor pentatonics and the six-note blues scale that most solos are built on.
From scales to timing
Knowing a scale is step one; playing it evenly is another. Run your scales against the free online metronome, and when you want the notes in tune as well as in time, check your pitch with the chromatic tuner or a dedicated guitar tuner.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the notes of a scale?
Choose a root note and a scale type. The tool highlights the scale on the piano, names each note with correct spelling, and shows the interval formula. Press Play to hear the scale, or click any key to hear that note.
What are the notes of the C major scale?
C major has no sharps or flats: C, D, E, F, G, A, B. Its formula is whole–whole–half–whole–whole–whole–half. Every other major scale follows the same pattern of whole and half steps from its own root.
What is the difference between major and minor scales?
A major scale uses the pattern whole–whole–half–whole–whole–whole–half and sounds bright. A natural minor scale uses whole–half–whole–whole–half–whole–whole and sounds darker, mainly because its third, sixth and seventh degrees are a semitone lower.
What scales does the finder include?
The major scale, natural, harmonic and melodic minor, all seven modes (Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian), major and minor pentatonic, and the blues scale — in every key.
Practice your scales in time
Set a tempo and run them clean with the free online metronome.