🎼 Scale Alternatives

Explore modal, relative, and parallel scale alternatives. Preview each with audio.

Root Note

Relative minor: AmRelative major: D# major

C Ionian (Major)

Bright, happy, uplifting. The most common scale in Western music.

CDEFGAB

R–b2–b3–3–b5–b6–b7

Common progressions

I–IV–VI–V–vi–IV

C Dorian

Minor feel with a raised 6th. Jazzy, soulful — used in funk and jazz.

CDD#FGAA#

R–b2–2–3–b5–b6–6

Common progressions

i–IVi–VII–IV

C Phrygian

Very dark, Spanish/Flamenco feel. Raised tension.

CC#D#FGG#A#

R–2–2–3–b5–5–6

Common progressions

i–IIi–II–III

C Lydian

Dreamy, ethereal with a raised 4th. Common in film scores.

CDEF#GAB

R–b2–b3–4–b5–b6–b7

Common progressions

I–III–V–II

C Mixolydian

Like major but with a flat 7th. Rock, blues, folk.

CDEFGAA#

R–b2–b3–3–b5–b6–6

Common progressions

I–VII–IVI–VII–I

C Aeolian (Natural Minor)

Sad, dark, introspective. The most common minor scale.

CDD#FGG#A#

R–b2–2–3–b5–5–6

Common progressions

i–VII–VIi–iv–v

C Locrian

Very dissonant, unstable. Rarely used melodically.

CC#D#FF#G#A#

R–2–2–3–4–5–6

C Harmonic Minor

Minor with a raised 7th. Exotic, Arabic/classical feel.

CDD#FGG#B

R–b2–2–3–b5–5–b7

C Melodic Minor

Minor that ascends differently than it descends. Jazz favourite.

CDD#FGAB

R–b2–2–3–b5–b6–b7

C Major Pentatonic

5-note major scale. Easy, universally pleasing.

CDEGA

R–b2–b3–b5–b6

C Minor Pentatonic

5-note minor scale. Foundation of rock/blues solos.

CD#FGA#

R–2–3–b5–6

C Blues Scale

Minor pentatonic + b5 'blue note'. Soul and blues.

CD#FF#GA#

R–2–3–4–b5–6