Let's think of the C major scale as a sound. It's comprised of whole and half steps which exist everywhere that music exists. The major scale breaks down into the following order of intervals: Whole - Whole - Half - Whole - Whole - Whole - Half. This relationship of steps is the basic formula for the major scale. This means we start on any note and play it's major scale using this formula.

Lesson Summary

The C major scale is a foundational element in Western music, composed of whole and half steps. This scale follows a specific order of intervals. We can break it down into half steps and whole steps. The formula of whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half defines the sound of the major scale. This formula can be applied to different starting notes to generate all major scales. Understanding these building blocks is crucial in comprehending chords and musical relationships.