major scales

Grade 1: Major scales: Introduction

A simple scale is made up of eight notes placed on a stave. The notes are formed on lines and spaces.

The scale of C major is shown below. The C major scale consists of the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B & C. If you were to play this scale on a piano keyboard you would use all white notes.


All major scales will consist of the following tones and semitones. Tone, Tone, Semitone, Tone, Tone, Tone, Semitone. TTSTTTS for short. The C major scale below shows this sequence.


If we start a scale on the note G we have to include an F# in our scale to maintain the TTSTTTS sequence. See below:

In grade 1 you will need to be familiar with the following key signatures:

  • C major – nothing in the key signature
  • G major – F#
  • D major – F# C#
  • F major – Bb

The scale questions maybe in treble or bass clef and should be completed using semibreves throughout.

Grade one major scales

Question 1

Add the correct clef and any necessary sharp or flat signs to make the scale named below. Do not use a key signature.

Answer 1

To make the first note the key note we need a treble clef.  As we are not writing a key signature we need to include the F# as shown to make the named scale.

Question 2

Add the correct clef and any necessary sharp or flat signs to make the scale named below. Do not use a key signature.

Answer 2

To make the first note the key note we need a bass clef.  As we are not writing a key signature we need to include the Bb as shown to make the named scale.

Question 3

Add the correct clef and any necessary sharp or flat signs to make the scale named below. Do not use a key signature.

Answer 3

To make the first note the key note we need a bass clef.  As we are not writing a key signature we need to include the F# & C# as shown to make the named scale.