Major scale — also known as the Ionian mode, consists of ascending pattern:
WWHWWWH
It is the first scale (or mode) in the family taht also includes the dorian, phrygian, lydian, mixolydian (dominant), aeolian (pure or natural minor) and locrian modes.
Notes of the major scale may be used when improvising over the following chords:
–major triads 1 3 5
–major 6ths 1 3 5 6
–major 7ths 1 3 5 7
–major 9th 1 3 6 7 9
–major 13th 1 3 5 7 9 13
If major 11th is added to the chord, the #11 is used — this chord tone comes from the lydian mode.
In a major key, major chords function as I or tonic.
–Chords built on the first note of the scale — tonic
— chords built on the fourth — subdominant
The major scale is the best scale choice when the chord is functioning as a I chord, while the lydian mode is the best choice when chord is functioning as a IV.
First note of the major scale lacks tension and color and is not interesting choice when beginning or ending a phrase.
4th note of the scale clashes with the 3rd of the chord and usually sounds best as a passing tone.
Tags: major scale