Scale Reference
Notes in any common scale starting on any root.
Overview
The scale reference lists the notes of any common scale built on any root. Choose "harmonic minor" and the root D, and the tool returns D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C#. Choose "blues" and the root G, and you get G, Bb, C, Db, D, F. It covers the diatonic scales, the modes, melodic and harmonic minor, pentatonics, blues scales, the symmetric scales (whole-tone, diminished), and the more colourful synthetic scales.
It's a daily lookup for improvisers learning what notes work over a given chord, composers picking a scale for a specific mood, music teachers preparing examples, and arrangers who need to confirm an unusual scale spelling. Once you can see the pitches, deciding how to use them — over what chord, with what melodic contour — is the next step.
How it works
Every scale is defined by an interval pattern — a sequence of whole steps (W), half steps (H), and occasionally augmented seconds (A2) measured between consecutive notes. The major scale is W W H W W W H. Natural minor is W H W W H W W. Harmonic minor is W H W W H A2 H, with that distinctive augmented second between the sixth and raised seventh. Pentatonic scales remove two notes; blues scales add a chromatic passing tone.
The tool applies the chosen pattern to the chosen root using 12-tone equal temperament: each step advances by the right number of semitones from the previous note. Enharmonic spelling follows the convention of the scale's parent key signature, so D harmonic minor spells the raised seventh as C# (a chromatic alteration of C natural), not Db.
Examples
G major → G A B C D E F#
A natural minor → A B C D E F G
D harmonic minor → D E F G A Bb C#
C blues → C Eb F Gb G Bb
FAQ
What's the difference between natural, harmonic, and melodic minor?
Natural minor is the basic minor scale (Aeolian). Harmonic minor raises the seventh to give a stronger leading tone. Melodic minor raises both the sixth and seventh ascending, then reverts to natural minor descending in classical practice — though jazz uses the ascending form in both directions.
Why does the pentatonic scale sound "universal"?
It removes the two semitone steps of the major scale, leaving only whole steps and minor thirds. Without semitone dissonance, every note in a major pentatonic sounds consonant against most chords in the key.
When would I use the whole-tone scale?
Over augmented chords or dominant-#5 chords. It has no real tonic and sounds floating or dreamlike — Debussy and Stevie Wonder both used it heavily.
What's the difference between the blues scale and the minor pentatonic?
The blues scale adds the flat fifth (the "blue note") as a chromatic passing tone between the fourth and fifth degrees of the minor pentatonic.
Are there scales with more than seven notes?
Yes. The diminished scale (octatonic) has eight, alternating whole and half steps. The chromatic scale has all twelve. Some Indian and Middle Eastern scales use microtones and don't map cleanly onto 12-TET.