Scale structure

A scale is built from the root in whole and half steps. The order of steps defines its sound: major and minor differ only in where the half steps fall. Pick a scale and a root to see its degrees and steps, and the same notes in one position on the fretboard.

• Major (Ionian): W – W – H – W – W – W – H
• Natural minor (Aeolian): W – H – W – W – H – W – W

W — whole step (2 semitones), H — half step (the next fret on the fretboard)