Pick a root note and a scale type to see all the notes and the diatonic chords — major, minor, modes, pentatonic, blues and more.
A scale is a set of notes arranged by pitch, and each scale type is defined by the pattern of intervals between its notes. The major scale follows the pattern whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half (in semitones: 2-2-1-2-2-1-2). Starting from C, that gives C-D-E-F-G-A-B. Starting from G, it gives G-A-B-C-D-E-F#. The same pattern, different starting note, different set of sharps or flats.
The seven modes — Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian — are the seven rotations of the major scale pattern. Dorian starts the major pattern from the second note, Phrygian from the third, and so on. Each has a different character because the intervals land in different places. Beyond the modes, this tool includes the major and minor pentatonic scales (five notes), the blues scale (six notes, with the flat fifth), the whole-tone scale (six equal steps) and the chromatic scale (all twelve notes).
For seven-note scales, the tool also shows the diatonic chords — the chords built on each degree of the scale using only the notes of that scale. In C major, the first chord is C major, the second is D minor, the third is E minor, and so on. These chords form the harmonic field of the key, and knowing them is the foundation of songwriting and arranging. Everything runs in your browser.
A semitone is one step on the chromatic scale (e.g. C to C#). A whole tone is two semitones. Major scale intervals: 2-2-1-2-2-1-2. Natural minor: 2-1-2-2-1-2-2. Pentatonic major: 2-2-3-2-3. Blues: 3-2-1-1-3-2.
A rotation of the major scale. If you play the white keys from D to D, you get D Dorian. From E to E, E Phrygian. Each mode has a different interval pattern and a different character, even though they use the same notes as a major scale.
The chords built on each note of the scale using only the notes of that scale. In C major: C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bdim. These form the harmonic field of the key.
By convention. Keys like G, D, A use sharps; keys like F, Bb, Eb use flats. The tool follows the standard convention to keep the notes readable.
No. It shows the notes and chords as text. For hearing the scale, use a keyboard, a guitar, or a DAW.
No. The scale patterns are embedded in the page. Nothing is uploaded or stored.
Vai.la turns any URL into a short link with click statistics, QR Code and your own biolink.
Vai.la is not responsible for how the tools are used or for decisions made based on their results.