Major Scale vs Natural Minor Scale
Side-by-side comparison of two musical terms.
Major Scale
- Definition
- A seven-note scale with the pattern tone–tone–semitone–tone–tone–tone–semitone
- Category
- scales
- Pronunciation
- MAY-jer SKAIL
- Origin
- Latin
- Synonyms
- Ionian mode
- Antonyms
- minor scale
- Usage
- Every beginner pianist starts with C major — the only major scale using exclusively white keys.
Natural Minor Scale
- Definition
- The basic minor scale using only the notes of its key signature, without any raised sixth or seventh degrees.
- Category
- scales
- Pronunciation
- /ˈnætʃərəl ˈmaɪnə skeɪl/
- Origin
- English (theoretical term)
- Antonyms
- major scale
- Usage
- The folk melody uses the natural minor scale throughout, giving it a haunting, modal quality.