Piano Practice - Lesson #9 - Music Theory (Part 3)

Music Theory Music theory is a branch of study that explores the fundamental elements of music, such as rhythm, melody, harmony, and structure. One of the key concepts in music theory is the study of scales, which are sequences of musical notes that form the building blocks of melody and harmony.

One of the most commonly used scales in Western music is the C Major scale, and one of the ways to understand and construct the scale is by using the intervallic formula "W-W-H-W-W-W-H". The formula provides a blueprint for building the C Major scale by indicating the distance, or interval, between each note in the scale.

"W" in the formula stands for whole step, which is the distance of two consecutive white keys on a piano keyboard. "H" stands for half step, which is the distance of two adjacent black or white keys on a piano keyboard. Using this formula, the C Major scale can be constructed as follows:

1. Start with the note C

2. Move up a whole step to D

3. Move up a whole step to E

4. Move up a half step to F

5. Move up a whole step to G

6. Move up a whole step to A

7. Move up a whole step to B

8. Finally, move up a half step to return to C.

It's worth noting that this formula can be used to construct the C Major scale starting on any note, by simply changing the starting note to the desired one. The formula remains the same, and the intervals between the notes will remain the same.

The C Major scale is considered a major scale because of its specific pattern of whole and half steps. Other major scales, such as the G Major scale, have a different pattern of whole and half steps, and as a result, have a different sound and feel.

Intervallic Formula

The intervallic formula "W-W-H-W-W-W-H" provides a simple and effective way to understand and construct the C Major scale. By using this formula, we can gain a deeper understanding of the structure of the scale and how it forms the foundation for melody and harmony in Western music. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, learning the intervallic formula can help you become a better musician and increase your appreciation for music.

The Intervallic Formula whole-half step formula can be applied to any key, and here's a list of formulas for different scales:

Major scale = W-W-H-W-W-W-H

Natural Minor scale = W-H-W-W-H-W-W

Minor pentatonic scale = WH-W-W-WH-W

Blues scale = WH-W-H-H-WH-W

Major pentatonic scale = W-W-WH-W-WH

Harmonic Minor scale = W-H-W-W-H-WH-H

Melodic Minor scale = W-H-W-W-W-W-H

Ionian scale = W-W-H-W-W-W-H

Dorian scale = W-H-W-W-W-H-W

Phrygian scale = H-W-W-W-H-W-W

Lydian scale = W-W-W-H-W-W-H

Mixolydian scale = W-W-H-W-W-H-W

Aeolian scale = W-H-W-W-H-W-W

Locrian scale = H-W-W-H-W-W-W

Whole tone scale = W-W-W-W-W-W

Whole-Half Diminished = W-H-W-H-W-H-W-H

Half-Whole Diminished = H-W-H-W-H-W-H-W

To play a scale vertically on multiple strings instead of horizontally on a single string, you need to know the intervals between each note in the scale. This is the vertical approach. To build a scale vertically, start by finding the root note and then apply the whole-half step formula to build the scale.

In conclusion, the whole-half step formula is an important tool for building and understanding scales. By applying this knowledge to your playing, you'll become a better music player and have a deeper understanding of music theory.