How to Create Scales

In order to construct all 12 major scales, all we need is a little knowledge on key signatures and how to follow the circle of fourths/fifths.

What is a key signature you may ask? A key signature is the name given to a particular 'key', which referrs to how many sharps and flats are in that key. For example, they key of F only contains 1 flat which is Bb (B flat). For more informtation on major scales, you can look at the basic music lesson hub.

The order of sharps is: F, C, G, D, A, E, B

The order of flats is: B, E, A, D, G, C, F

(You can see the order of sharps and flats on both a treble and bass cleff in the image to the right.)

Constructing Scales:

Now that you know the basics of sharps and flats, we can begin constructing all 12 major scales. First you must know that the key of C contains no sharps or flats, which is whiy it is at the top of the circle of fourths/fifths (see image below). Then when looking at the circle going counterclockwise (circle of fourths) adds one flat each time, and going clockwise (circle of fifths) adds one sharp each time.

Example: Let's look at the key of Ab (A flat) - it is in position 4 going counterclockwise, meaning that the key of Ab has 4 flats. Since we know the order of flats, we subsequently know that the key of Ab contains: Bb, Eb, Ab, and Db.

Example: Now let's look at an example with sharps - for instance the key of A. When looking at our circle of fifths, A is in position 3 going clockwise. From before, we know this means that the key of A contains 3 sharps, namely F#, C#, and G#.

Once you know what sharps and flats are in your scale, the next step is to know the order of notes to play. This is probably the easiest part of all! The main thing to know is that each scale starts on the note that is named by the key (i.e. the A major scale starts on an A). After that, you just continue (in ABC order) including the sharps and flats (that we determined above) as you go. That's all there is to it!

If you want to practice constructing more scales, you should look to the examples below.

1. How many sharps are in the key of B?
2. Name what notes you would play in an F major scale.
3. What is the difference between the circle of fourths and the circle of fifths?
4. How many flats are in the key of Db? Sharps (a little tricky!)?
5. Name the notes you would play in an Eb major scale.

(look below the comments section for answers)

1. There are 5 sharps in the key of B.
2. F, G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F
3. The circle of fourths takes the circle counterclockwise while the circle of fifths goes clockwise (the easy answer). (For more information, check out the Wikipedia article on the subject)
4. The key of D contains 5 flats or 7 sharps - it depends on how you look at it!
5. Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D, Eb