I don’t understand the scale formulas in your articles.
1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 etc
Is there an article on this site explaining how the formula is used or what it refers back to so I can understand the formula when deciphering scales.
Thanks
Yeah, pretty much. Just remember all of these formulas reference the major scale which has just numbers 1 to 7 with no flat or sharp scale degrees. That’s not to be confused with flat or sharpened notes, e.g., A major has sharp notes, c#, f#, g#. These notes are the 3rd, 6th and 7th “degrees” of the scale. Therefore, let’s say A melodic minor scale has the formula 1 2 3b 4 5 6 7. To make this scale we need to flatten the 3rd of A major. Compare the two below:
A Major:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
A B C# D E F# G#
A melodic minor:
1 2 b3 4 5 6 7
A B C D E F# G#
The scale root is always 1. Therefore in …
C major; C is 1
C# major: C# is 1
D major: D is 1
And so on ..
Adam is correct. This is my go to site. When trying to understand a bit of theory, I’ll check other sites and come away still a bit confused.. Then back here, Lee has a way of clearing it up..
Thanks Ron, really appreciate it.
Lee
Thank you. It makes sense now.
Btw, this is the best website I have found for chords and scales and what not.