πΌ Scale Generator
Generate notes for any scale in any key.
Scale notes
How to Use This Calculator
Select a root note and a scale type from the two dropdowns. The generator instantly shows all the notes in that scale as color-coded pills, a step-by-step interval breakdown, and a keyboard diagram highlighting which keys belong to the scale. Change either dropdown to update everything in real time.
Select the root note. For example, choose G if you want to know the notes in G major or G minor pentatonic. The root sets the starting pitch of the scale.
Choose the scale type. Major and Natural Minor are the most common starting points. Pentatonic scales are ideal for improvisation because they avoid the most dissonant intervals.
Read the note pills left to right: these are the notes in scale order from the root. The keyboard diagram below highlights the same notes on a one-octave layout, including black keys.
Check the "Steps between notes" row in the details to see the whole-step and half-step pattern. This is the interval formula that defines the scale's sound and can be applied starting from any root.
Scale Interval Formulas
W stands for a whole step (2 semitones) and H for a half step (1 semitone). The pattern of steps defines the scale's character and applies identically from any root. Start on C with the major pattern and you get C D E F G A B. Start on G with the same pattern and you get G A B C D E F#. Every major scale has exactly the same sound quality; only the pitch level changes. Modal scales start the major scale pattern from a different degree, which shifts the character without changing the notes.
Real-World Examples
When You Need This
When learning a new song or writing your own music, knowing the scale tells you which notes are "safe" to use for melody and improvisation. If a song is in B major and you want to add a guitar solo, generate B major here and you have a map of the notes that will sound at home over the chords. Notes outside the scale aren't forbidden, but they're passing tones that need careful handling. The scale gives you a starting point for where to put your fingers.
For modal playing, this tool is especially practical. If you're playing over a Dm chord vamp and the producer says "play some Dorian over this," generate D Dorian here to confirm the notes. D Dorian is D E F G A B C, which is almost identical to D natural minor except the B natural instead of Bb. That one note difference is what gives Dorian its characteristic sound, used in everything from "So What" by Miles Davis to "Oye Como Va" by Santana. Seeing the note set clearly prevents the mistake of accidentally playing the wrong note.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the notes in C major?
C major: C, D, E, F, G, A, B. The major scale pattern is: W-W-H-W-W-W-H (W=whole step/2 semitones, H=half step/1 semitone).
What is a pentatonic scale?
A pentatonic scale has 5 notes. Major pentatonic: remove the 4th and 7th from major scale. Minor pentatonic: remove the 2nd and 6th from natural minor. Very common in blues, rock, and folk music.
What are the modes of the major scale?
Starting major scale patterns from each degree: Ionian (1st=major), Dorian (2nd), Phrygian (3rd), Lydian (4th), Mixolydian (5th), Aeolian (6th=natural minor), Locrian (7th).
What is the relative minor of a major key?
The relative minor starts on the 6th degree of the major scale. C major's relative minor is A minor. They share the same notes but have different tonal centers and emotional qualities.
What is a blues scale?
The blues scale is a minor pentatonic with an added "blue note" (b5 or tritone). Example: C blues = C, Eb, F, Gb, G, Bb, C. The Gb (b5) creates the characteristic blues tension.