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Understanding the Major Diatonic Scale

In this music theory fundamentals lesson Steve Stine explains the major diatonic scale. It is a heptatonic scale that has seven pitches per octave separated by five whole steps and two half steps. The half steps go between the 3rd and 4th and 7th and 8th (or 1st) notes.

Steve walks through several examples starting from the C major scale and shows you step by step how the scales are build up and why some have sharps or flats and where they go.

If you are new to the major scale or feel like you haven't really understood it, dedicate your focus for 20 minutes on Steve's excellent lesson. He'll show you that the major scale is actually a simple concept and certainly nothing to be scared of.