Scale Explorer: see and hear scales on the keyboard
Scale Explorer shows which keys belong to a scale. Pick a root and a scale, and the notes are marked on a piano keyboard so you can hear the scale played. Ten scales are included: major, minor in three forms, pentatonic, blues, Dorian, Phrygian and Mixolydian.
Open the tool: Scale Explorer Needs: A MIDI keyboard (optional)
What you can do
- All twelve roots
- Major, natural and harmonic minor, melodic minor, pentatonic, blues and modal scales
- The notes marked on the keyboard
- Playback of the scale
How it works
- Choose a root, for example C or F#.
- Choose a scale, for example natural minor.
- Look at the marked keys and press Play to hear the scale.
- Play along on your keyboard, or go on to Scale Trainer to practice.
Frequently asked questions
Which scale should I start with?
Start with C major, which only uses the white keys, then move on to A minor and the minor pentatonic. They take you a long way for improvising.
Can I play the scale on my keyboard?
Yes. The keys you press show on screen, so you see right away whether you stay inside the scale.