Professional Documents
Culture Documents
• Frequency • Notes and Octaves • Tuning Notes • Equal-Tempered Tuning • Scales • Major and Minor
Scales • Major & Minor Transforms • Modes • Modal Transforms • Pentatonics • Modal-Pentatonic
Transforms • Example Application of Transforms • Scales Reference • Conforming to Classical Notation •
Frequency
Let's imagine you have a long hollow tube. If you hit it, you get a fairly constant sound because hitting it
produces a shock-wave which oscillates (travels up and down) the tube. This oscillation or vibration is what
we hear as pitch.
The speed of oscillation or vibration is called "Frequency". Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz), which are
oscillations per second. If the hollow tube vibrates at 200 cycles per second, the frequency is 200 Hz.
When you hit a hollow tube, the shock-wave is actually traveling at a constant speed. What determines the
frequency is the length of the hollow tube. The longer the tube, the further the shock-wave has to travel,
hence, the lower the frequency... and vice versa.
A "Note" is a given name to describe a musical frequency. It describes the pitch of a piano key or guitar
string. By convention, notes are named as:-
A , A# , B , C , C# , D , D# , E , F , F# , G , G#.
1. If the length is half of the original length, the frequency will be double. This creates another "C"
but one octave higher than the first (264 x 2 = 528 Hz).
2. If the length is quarter of the original, the frequency will be quadruple. This creates yet another
"C" but two octaves higher than the original (264 x 4 = 1,056 Hz).
3. If the length is double, the frequency is halved. This creates "C" again but one octave lower than
the original (264 / 2 = 132 Hz).
Tuning Notes
Let's look at the hollow tube length again. Halving it gives us an octave higher. What happens for lengths in
between? Well, for lengths in between, we get the notes in between.
If we use fractions where the numerator and denominator are whole numbers, we are creating the "just
intonation" system of tuning. The fractions are listed in the table below and are referenced to "C".
For most cultures, the "just intonation" tuning has been in use for thousands of years. This makes sense
because we are using multiples of the original length (and then normalizing them to the octave) to create
notes.
The just-intonation tuning system works fine and sounds beautiful. However, it has only one drawback...
you cannot transpose a song (i.e. you can only play songs in any key but "C"). When you play in another
key (e.g. "D"), the tuning sounds wrong.
Equal-Tempered Tuning
How does it work? Well, if you think about it, tuning is not linear. You can double the frequency to get the
next octave up but you have to quadruple it to get the next octave after that. Consequently, the notes within
a scale are not equally distributed in frequency (nor in length).
This is how it's worked out! "A3" (the note "A" at the third octave) is deemed to be at 440 Hz and,
therefore, "A4" will be at 880 Hz. We then take logarithms of A3 and A4 frequencies. Next, we mark in 11
equally spaced points between log(A3) and log(A4). On the logarithmic scale, this is the same as having 12
equally spaced notes per octave. We then apply arc-logarithms to those points and arrive the equal-
tempered tuning.
Since this tuning is mathematically derived, a song will sound "correct" when played in a different key.
Special note - The decision to use A3 = 440 Hz, 12 notes per octave and naming them A to G was due to
historical circumstances. Any other combination would also be valid. However, the equal-tempered tuning
is now the de facto system.
Scales
Musicians compose and play songs. In order to ensure that the song is played correctly, we have to
determine which notes are valid. A Scale is a series of notes which we define as "correct" or appropriate for
a song. Normally, we only need to define the series within an octave and the same series will be used for all
octaves.
A Scale is usually referenced to a "root" note (e.g. C). Typically, we use notes from the "equal-tempered"
tuning comprising 12 notes per octave; C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A# & B.
For most of us, we will only probably need to know 2 scales: the Major scale; and, the Minor scale. Using a
root of "C", the Major scale comprises C, D, E, F, G, A, B while the Minor scale comprises A, B, C, D, E
,F, G. Both of these scales have 7 notes per octave.
As you can see, there are many scales and there is nothing to stop you from creating your own. After all,
scales are just a series of notes. Different cultures have developed different scales because they find some
series of notes more pleasing than others.
The Major scale and Minor scale share many similarities. For example, the white notes on a piano concur
for both "C Major" as well as "A minor". More precisely, "C Major" comprises C, D, E, F, G, A and B
whilst "A Minor" comprises A, B, C, D, E, F and G. The difference is the starting point or root.
The Major scale will always have semitone jumps of 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 while a Minor scale has semitone jumps
of 2 1 2 2 1 2 2. Semitone means the next note so one semitone up from "C" is "C#". In any major scale, the
6th note will be the equivalent minor scale. Similarly, in any minor scale, the 3rd note will be the
equivalent major scale.
By a process called "transposition", we can workout the major or minor scale for every key (ie root).
Transposition is basically starting from another key but still maintaining the separation of notes by
following the same sequence of semitone jumps. In other words, we are shifting the scale to a different
starting note. We can calculate the "Db Major" scale as being Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb and C. The concurring
minor for the "Db major" scale will be "Bb minor".
When we transpose, we are changing key (i.e. root). The scale is always maintained. I have not included the
Major scales for Db, Eb, F#, Ab and Bb but that should be easy for you to work out.
"Transform" is a general term meaning to convert something into another. Here, transform is just a way to
convert from one scale to another. It is not the same as transpose. Transpose changes the key but always
maintains the scale. A transform can change the key and/or the scale. Transforms are a convenient way to
convert a musical sequence into a different scale and/or key.
This document will concentrate on one-note transforms. If you have a song in C Major, then converting
every occurrence of F to F# will transform it into G Major. Similarly, converting every B to A#/Bb will
give you F Major.
The table below highlights the one-note transforms for the major scale. These particular transforms only
involve Key changes (not scale).
A scale can be transformed into the one above it or below it simply by comparing the difference between
them. The difference should only be one note.
When would you use a transform? Let's say you have a nice sequenced pattern running throughout a song.
You have to accommodate a big key change but transposing it doesn't sound right. Then try transforming it
instead. Transforming only a few notes will not detract too much from the original pattern and can sound
more natural.
Modes
Modes are variant-scales developed from the Major scale simply by starting from a different note. Consider
the C Major scale [C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C] which has 7 notes: If you start from D with the same 7 notes,
you get a new scale [D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D]. Basically, starting the series from any of 7 notes would give
you a different scale and these are called "Modes". Each mode also has a name taken from ancient Greece.
The table below shows the modal scales for the white notes on a piano.
Modal Scales
MODES C D E F G A B C Semitone Jumps
mC Ionian 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2212221
mD Dorian 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 2122212
mE Phrygian 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 1222122
mF Lydian 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 2221221
mG Mixolydian 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 2212212
mA Aeolian 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 2122122
mB Locrian 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 1221222
Note - this looks is a bit like transposition but is actually completely different.
In transposition, the series of semitone jumps is the same. In other words, the separation of notes of the
scale is maintained (i.e. the relative differences in frequencies between notes remains).
In modes, the series of semitone jumps changes. In other words, the separation of notes of the scale is
different (i.e. the relative differences in frequencies between notes is not maintained).
The table below shows the same modal scales with a "C" root.
MODES C Db D Eb E F Gb G Ab A Bb B C
mC Ionian 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
mD Dorian 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
mE Phrygian 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
mF Lydian 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
mG Mixolydian 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
mA Aeolian 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
mB Locrian 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
What do they sound like? Well, Ionian mode is the same as the Major scale and Aeolian mode is the same
as Minor scale. The rest sound strangely familiar but not quite right. For example, Dorian mode sounds like
the band is playing in "D" but you're doing the melody in "C" instead.
Mode Transforms
We can look as the modes in terms of one-note transforms. The table below highlights the one-note
transforms for modes. These particular transforms involve scale changes but not key changes.
If there is a song in C Major (i.e. Ionian), then converting every occurrence of B to A# (Bb) will give you
Mixolydian. Similarly, converting every, F to F# will give you Lydian.
The prefix "m" denotes mode. Therefore "mF" is Lydian. "Carets" (^) with plus or minus signs denote
transposition up and down respectively and is enumerated in semitones. Therefore "mF^-1" is Lydian
transposed down one semitone.
A scale can be transformed into the one above it or below it simply by comparing the difference between
them. The difference should only be one note.
Pentatonics
A pentatonic is simply a scale of five notes. A series of any five notes per octave will qualify as a
pentatonic scale.
A Major pentatonic in "C" comprises C, D, E, G and A... which is a common scale used by most cultures in
the world. This is achieved by removing the 4th and 7th notes.
What is interesting is that if we remove the 4th and 7th notes from the modal scales, we get quite
remarkable results. The table below illustrates the modal Pentatonics. This time I'm using the "black" notes
on the piano.
Modal Pentatonics
Name from F# G G# A A# B C C# D D# E F F# Semitone Jumps
pC Ionian 1 2 3 - 4 5 - 1 22323
pD Dorian 1 2 3 - 4 5 - 1 21423
pE Phrygian 1 2 3 - 4 5 - 1 12414
pF Lydian 1 2 3 - 4 5 - 1 22323
pG Mixolydian 1 2 3 - 4 5 - 1 22323
pA Aeolian 1 2 3 - 4 5 - 1 21414
pB Locrian 1 2 3 - 4 5 - 1 12324
Modal-Pentatonic Transforms
If we arrange the Pentatonics in the same order as the previous one-note transforms, we get the following
modal scale transforms:-
Well, there you have it... all the possible one-note transforms for the Pentatonics. If wish to transform from
one pentatonic to another but no direct one-note transform is available, then you will have to do it in two or
more steps.
Transforms are useful for converting from one scale and/or key to another. Of all the transforms described
in this document, the modal pentatonic transforms are the most interesting to apply because the results are
quite remarkable.
- Write a short pattern using only the black notes... name it "pFCG".
- Using "pFCG", convert every "A#" into "A"... name it "pD".
- Using "pD", convert every "D#" into "D"... name it "pA".
- Using "pA", convert every "G#" into "G"... name it "pE".
- Using "pE", convert every "C#" into "C"... name it "pB".
- Using "pFCG" again, convert every "F#" into "E"... name it "pD^+7".
- Using "pD^+7", convert every "C#" into "B"... name it "pA^+2".
- Using "pFCG" again, convert every "F#" into "G"... name it "pB^+1".
- Using "pB^+1", convert every "A#" into "C"... name it "pE^+6".
- Then delete "pFCG".
You now have 7 pentatonic patterns: 2 AsiaMins, 2 JapBalis, 2 Indians and 1 Serious.
Arrange the patterns in any order you like... you've now made one seriously ethnic-sounding new tune.
Scales Reference
Below is a table of Scales. They are arranged into 3 sections: (a) Non 7 or 5 note scales, (b) 7 note scales,
and (c) 5 note scales. They are sorted in order of distance from the root-key.
NAME C - D - E F - G - A - B C ALTERNATIVE
Chromatic 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 -
Spanish 8 Tone 1 2 - 3 4 5 6 - 7 - 8 - 1 -
Flamenco 1 2 - 3 4 5 - 6 7 - 8 - 1 -
Symmetrical 1 2 - 3 4 - 5 6 - 7 8 - 1 Inverted Diminished
Diminished 1 - 2 3 - 4 5 - 6 7 - 8 1 -
Whole Tone 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 1 -
Augmented 1 - - 2 3 - - 4 5 - - 6 1 -
3 semitone 1 - - 2 - - 3 - - 4 - - 1 -
4 semitone 1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 1 -
NAME C - D - E F - G - A - B C ALTERNATIVE
Ultra Locrian 1 2 - 3 4 - 5 - 6 7 - - 1 -
Super Locrian 1 2 - 3 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 1 Ravel
Indian-ish* 1 2 - 3 4 - - 5 6 - 7 - 1 -
Locrian 1 2 - 3 - 4 5 - 6 - 7 - 1 -
Phrygian 1 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 6 - 7 - 1 -
Neapolitan Minor 1 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 6 - - 7 1 -
Javanese 1 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 7 - 1 -
Neapolitan Major 1 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 1 -
Todi (Indian) 1 2 - 3 - - 4 5 6 - - 7 1 -
Persian 1 2 - - 3 4 5 - 6 - - 7 1 -
Oriental 1 2 - - 3 4 5 - - 6 7 - 1 -
Maj.Phrygian (Dom) 1 2 - - 3 4 - 5 6 - 7 - 1 Spanish/ Jewish
Double Harmonic 1 2 - - 3 4 - 5 6 - - 7 1 Gypsy/ Byzantine/ Charhargah
Marva (Indian) 1 2 - - 3 - 4 5 - 6 - 7 1 -
Enigmatic 1 2 - - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 7 1 -
NAME C - D - E F - G - A - B C ALTERNATIVE
Locrian Natural 2nd 1 - 2 3 - 4 5 - 6 - 7 - 1 -
Minor (natural) 1 - 2 3 - 4 - 5 6 - 7 - 1 Aeolian/ Algerian (oct2)
Harmonic Minor 1 - 2 3 - 4 - 5 6 - - 7 1 Mohammedan
Dorian 1 - 2 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 7 - 1 -
Melodic Minor (Asc) 1 - 2 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 1 Hawaiian
Hungarian Gypsy 1 - 2 3 - - 4 5 6 - 7 - 1 -
Hungarian Minor 1 - 2 3 - - 4 5 6 - - 7 1 Algerian (oct1)
Romanian 1 - 2 3 - - 4 5 - 6 7 - 1 -
NAME C - D - E F - G - A - B C ALTERNATIVE
Maj. Locrian 1 - 2 - 3 4 5 - 6 - 7 - 1 Arabian
Hindu 1 - 2 - 3 4 - 5 6 - 7 - 1 -
Ethiopian 1 1 - 2 - 3 4 - 5 6 - - 7 1 -
Mixolydian 1 - 2 - 3 4 - 5 - 6 7 - 1 -
Major 1 - 2 - 3 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 1 Ionian
Mixolydian Aug. 1 - 2 - 3 4 - - 5 6 7 - 1 -
Harmonic Major 1 - 2 - 3 4 - - 5 6 - 7 1 -
Lydian Min. 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 5 6 - 7 - 1 -
Lydian Dominant 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 5 - 6 7 - 1 Overtone
Lydian 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 5 - 6 - 7 1 -
Lydian Aug. 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 6 7 - 1 -
Leading Whole Tone 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 7 1 -
Bluesy R&R* 1 - - 2 3 4 - 5 - 6 7 - 1 -
Hungarian Major 1 - - 2 3 - 4 5 - 6 7 - 1 Lydian sharp2nd
NAME C - D - E F - G - A - B C ALTERNATIVE
"pB" 1 2 - 3 - - 4 - 5 - - - 1 -
Balinese 1 1 2 - 3 - - - 4 5 - - - 1 "pE"
Pelog (Balinese) 1 2 - 3 - - - 4 - - 5 - 1 -
Iwato (Japanese) 1 2 - - - 3 4 - - - 5 - 1 -
Japanese 1 1 2 - - - 3 - 4 5 - - - 1 Kumoi
Hirajoshi (Japanese) 1 - 2 3 - - - 4 5 - - - 1 "pA"
"pD" 1 - 2 3 - - - 4 - 5 - - 1 -
Pentatonic Major 1 - 2 - 3 - - 4 - 5 - - 1 Chinese 1/ Mongolian/ "pFCG"
Egyptian 1 - 2 - - 3 - 4 - - 5 - 1 -
Pentatonic Minor 1 - - 2 - 3 - 4 - - 5 - 1 -
Chinese 2 1 - - - 2 - 3 4 - - - 5 1 -
In general, the non-European scales have not been well documented and many of the names selected may
not be representative of their music. For example, Indian and Indonesian music use a huge range of
different scales. Arabic music also use quarter-tone tuning (there are notes in between the semitones).
Algerian music can use one scale for the first octave and another for the next. Ethiopian music can also use
the minor, Dorian and Mixolydian scales. And this is only the tip of the iceberg. Also remember that the
above table is only a guide to scales used and the actual tunings used can vary immensely. In the end, the
best source for examining scales it to hear it for your self and translate it.
Conforming to Classical Notation
You do not have to know how to read classical notation in order to use the information in this section. This
information is provided as an additional guide to scales because of the limitations imposed by classical
notation. For example, the scale of "A# major" and "Bb major" are exactly the same but classical notation
only allows for "Bb major".
The classical notation system is well suited for instruments which are "pre-fingered" for the major scale
(e.g. keyboards) but, for "linear" instruments (e.g. guitar, violin), it requires more familiarization.
If you are using the scale of C major or A minor (the white notes on a piano), you will not have to pre-mark
any sharps or flats as Key Signature. With any other scale, you will need to assign sharps or flats.
With classical notation, problems arises because the Staff represents notes by their "letter". This means that
every note in the scale should have a different letter. For example, the scale of F major is F, G, A, Bb, C, D,
E. You should not use A# instead of Bb, otherwise the "A#" will have to share the same line or space as
"A" (and the "B" line or space will not be used at all). This will cause problems with the Key-Signature.
The table below gives Major and Minor Scales which conform to classical notation. Note - as you count the
notes in the scale, you are also counting "letters" (i.e. In E major, the 6th note is "C#"... so counting 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6 is counting E, F, G, A, B, C... and "C" is letter no.6 from "E").
The table below illustrates the "letter" problems of using the non-conforming keys. Notes in brackets ()
indicate small discrepancies. Notes in square brackets [] indicate serious problems.
These problems do not exist physically, scientifically or mathematically. The problems arise from the
system itself. However, the classical notation system is the de facto "language" of music. Plus the system is
fairly compact and concise. So perhaps this extra "learning" is not too bad.
The table below shows the Scales of the Major and Minor Keys which conform to classical notation. This
may be easier to visualize and remember.