

There is a very specific space between each pitch in a major scale: whole step-whole step-half step-whole step-whole step-whole step-half step. We usually write major scales (and chords) using capital letters. A scale will always end on same note an octave higher (or lower). How do you create a major scale? Let's first see what it looks like. In the Middle Ages, the major scale became a central part of Western music theory, and it has remained an important part of music theory and practice to this day. The Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras is credited with developing the concept of the major scale, which he referred to as the "diatonic" scale. The major scale has a long history, dating back to ancient Greek music theory. While you don't need to know this for the AP exam, learning these will help you as a musician, and they might generally be of interest.

In classical music, there are some commonly accepted characteristics and moods for each major and minor scale. However, major scales aren't only used for "happy" music (and minor scales aren't always for "sad" music). The major scale is usually considered to have a a bright, cheerful sound and is used in many different styles of music, including classical, pop, rock, and jazz. There are many other types of scales that are used in other parts of the world. Western music is comprised of major and minor scales. When we arrange certain pitches in a specific ascending or descending pattern, we call that a scale. Throughout history and up to the current era, different collections of pitches give us distinct types of music.
