Free online scale finder

A scale is a fixed pattern of steps from a starting note. Choose the root and the scale type and this tool lights up every note of that scale on the keyboard, so you can see the shape instead of counting steps by hand.

Here’s what a scale is, how to read the keyboard below, and how the patterns connect once you can see them.

How to use it

Pick a root note (the note the scale is built on) and a scale type. The scale lights up on the central octave of the keyboard, with the root shown in a stronger color, and the notes are spelled out underneath. Switch the flats toggle if you’d rather read the scale with flats than sharps.

Why see a scale on the keyboard

A scale is the same pattern of whole steps and half steps wherever you start it. Seeing it on the keys makes that pattern visible: a major scale always skips the same way, and a minor scale lowers the same three notes. Once you recognize the shape, you can play the scale in any key without relearning it.

How the scales relate

• The natural minor scale uses the same notes as the major scale a minor third above it — its relative major.
• The modes (Dorian, Phrygian, and the rest) are the major scale started from a different note.
• The pentatonic scales are the major or minor scale with two notes removed, which is why they’re forgiving to improvise with.

FAQ

What is the root of a scale? The note the scale is built on and named after. A C major scale has C as its root.

What’s the difference between major and minor? They use different step patterns. Compared with major, the natural minor scale lowers its third, sixth, and seventh notes, which gives it a darker sound.

Why can I switch between sharps and flats? The same key can be spelled two ways (F# and Gb are the same pitch). The toggle lets you read the scale the way its key is normally written.