Scale
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This is a beginner page. It is written to allow new readers to learn about the basics of the topic easily. The corresponding expert page for this topic is Periodic scale. |
A scale is a sequence of pitches. Each of these pitches is a tone (not to be confused with other meanings of the term tone). The interval between two consecutive tones is a step.
Scales are typically organized in ascending or descending order. In most scales, the descending form is identical to the ascending form but in the opposite order. However, some scales have different forms in both directions, such as the melodic minor scale. A reentrant scale features at least one negative step, going backwards relative to the general direction of the scale. Although a reentrant scale is not strictly ascending or descending, its ascending and descending forms are determined by its general direction.
Most scales are periodic, featuring a step pattern that repeats after a given interval, the period, often the octave or a fraction thereof. Aperiodic scales also exist, notably the harmonic series.
Relation to tuning systems and chords
A tuning system defines the set of discrete pitches used to tune an instrument or in a composition. A scale can be built by taking a subset of pitches from a given tuning system. Furthermore, a chord can be built by taking a subset of pitches from a given scale.
Scales are generally treated with a greater focus on melody, while chords are generally treated with a greater focus on harmony. That said, the boundary between the two is fuzzy, and some musicians use the term scale-chord to refer to a set of pitches that is treated both as a scale and as a chord.