Major and minor scales are really important for Western music. They help us create chords and harmony. Here’s a simpler breakdown of how they work:

1. Scale Construction

• Major Scale: This scale uses a special pattern of steps. Here’s the pattern:
  $Whole - Whole - Half - Whole - Whole - Whole - Half$ For example, in the C major scale, the notes are C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C.

• Minor Scale: There are three types of minor scales: natural, harmonic, and melodic. The pattern for the natural minor scale is:
  $Whole - Half - Whole - Whole - Half - Whole - Whole$ For example, the A natural minor scale has the notes A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A.

2. Chord Composition

• Chords from Major Scales: Major scales help us make lots of chords. The chords that naturally fit in the scale can be made using each note:

  • In C major:
    • I (C) = Major
    • ii (Dm) = Minor
    • iii (Em) = Minor
    • IV (F) = Major
    • V (G) = Major
    • vi (Am) = Minor
    • vii° (Bdim) = Diminished

  This creates 7 chords from the 7 notes in the scale.

• Chords from Minor Scales: The chords in a natural minor scale also include some minor or diminished chords. For A minor:

  • i (Am) = Minor
  • ii° (Bdim) = Diminished
  • III (C) = Major
  • iv (Dm) = Minor
  • v (Em) = Minor
  • VI (F) = Major
  • VII (G) = Major

3. Harmony and Progressions

• Harmonic Function: Major and minor chords create different feelings in music. Major chords usually sound happy or bright, while minor chords often sound sad or thoughtful.

• Cadences: Moving between chords creates a sense of tension and release. Common cadences, like V-I or iv-V (for minor), are essential in Western music and mix major and minor chords together.

By understanding these connections, we can better create and think about music. This knowledge helps build a solid base in music theory!