What Are Scales?

> Scale = a sequence of notes in order. > Knowing this "map of notes" instantly shows you which notes to use when improvising or writing melodies.

1) Why knowing scales unlocks improvisation

Have you ever wished you could "just play freely" on guitar?

Scales give you the safe notes for improvisation.

A scale is all the notes that work in a key, arranged in order. Use this "palette of notes" to create melodies and improvisations that sound natural over any chord.

Example: For a song in C major, using the C major scale (C-D-E-F-G-A-B) fits over any chord.

Understanding this lets you "play freely" with confidence.

🎙️ George Harrison's selected notes

> "When you're improvising, you need to know which notes will work. That's where scales come in." > — George Harrison (mentioned in multiple interviews)

Beatles solos are simple yet effective.

For example, the solo in "Something" flows smoothly using the A major scale. Though sparse, it fits the chord progression perfectly.

Without knowing theory, they felt the right notes—but theory names it as the scale.

2) Scales = your improvisation toolbox

Like a recipe book shows you vegetables, a scale shows you all the notes that work in a key.

* What scales do: Show you which notes sound good together

* How to use them: Use only the notes in the scale to build phrases freely

Limiting your choices to the scale keeps you "safe" while improvising.

3) The first two scales to learn

For beginners, start with these two scales.

Major scale (using C as example)

Notes: C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C Use for: Bright songs, pop, folk, rock

Example: The melody in "Let It Be" is built from the C major scale.

Stable and versatile, it works everywhere.

Pentatonic scale (using A minor as example)

Notes: A-C-D-E-G-A Feature: Uses only five notes Use for: Rock and blues solos (guitarist staple)

Example: Solos by Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton rely heavily on the pentatonic.

Fewer notes = less thinking = faster playing.

4) How scales relate to keys

Scales and keys are closely linked.

* Key: Sets the central note (tonic)

* Scale: Sets the order of notes that work in that key

Example: If the key is C major, you can use the C major scale.

Key	Scale	Good For
C Major	C Major Scale	Bright songs
A Minor	A Minor Scale, A Pentatonic	Ballads, rock
G Major	G Major Scale	Country, pop

Once you know the key, the usable scale is automatically set.

5) Three steps for improvising with scales

Step 1: Identify the key

Use the method from "What Is a Key?" to find the song's key.

Example: "This song is in C major"

Step 2: Choose a scale

Pick a scale that matches the key.

Example: C major → C major scale or C pentatonic

Step 3: Play only the scale's notes

Build phrases using only notes from your chosen scale.

Key point: Using only scale notes keeps you "safe" while improvising.

6) What scales unlock

Easier melody writing

Using only scale notes, melodies that fit the progression come naturally.

No more wondering "Is this note right?"

Improvisation becomes possible

Move beyond "Where should I play?" by learning the scale notes.

Play only those notes to build free phrases.

Faster ear training

With the scale known, melody notes are easier to predict.

You can guess "This is major, so these notes are likely to come next".

7) Try it in the app

OtoTheory lets you see scales visually:

Scale library: Browse major scales at a glance
Fretboard view: See where scale notes sit visually
Build over progressions: Feel how keys and scales connect
Write melodies: Use only scale notes to build melodies

Get your "map of notes" and express yourself freely.

8) Summary

Scales = a sequence of notes in order. They serve as your "map".
Two essential scales: Major (bright songs), Pentatonic (rock/blues).
Use with keys: Once you know the key, the usable scale is set.
Why they matter: Scales make melody writing, improvisation, and ear training much easier.

Scales are your "note palette". Know this palette, and music-making becomes freer.

Next steps

To understand how scales connect to keys → What Is a Key?
To learn how scales work with chords → What Is Diatonic?
To review the distances between notes → What Are Intervals?