#AP Music Theory: Major Scales - Your Ultimate Review 🎶

Hey there, future music maestro! Let's make sure you're totally prepped for the AP Music Theory exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the big day. We'll break down everything you need to know about major scales in a way that's easy to understand and remember. Let's dive in!

#What are Major Scales?

Major scales are the building blocks of Western music. They usually sound bright and cheerful, but they're used in all kinds of music, not just happy tunes. Think of them as the foundation upon which many melodies and harmonies are built. The major scale is also known as the diatonic scale because of its specific pattern of whole and half steps.

#The Pattern of Whole and Half Steps

The major scale follows this pattern: whole step - whole step - half step - whole step - whole step - whole step - half step. This pattern is consistent no matter what note you start on. You can derive it from the C Major scale, which has no sharps or flats. This pattern creates the characteristic sound of a major scale.

#Visualizing the C Major Scale

Let's look at the C Major scale as an example. It starts and ends on C, spanning an octave (an interval of 8 pitches). Notice that there are no sharps or flats in the C Major scale.

Caption: The C Major scale, showing the whole and half step intervals.

#Diatonic vs. Chromatic

When a note is part of the major scale, it's considered diatonic. Notes that are not part of the scale are called chromatic. For example, in C Major, D is diatonic, while D# is chromatic. This distinction is important when analyzing melodies and harmonies.

#Major Scale Degrees

Each note in a major scale has a specific name and role. These are called scale degrees, and they're crucial for understanding how melodies and harmonies function. Let's break them down:

1. Tonic: The first degree, the home base of the scale. It's the most stable and important note. Think of it as the 'do' in 'do-re-mi.'
2. Supertonic: The second degree, a whole step above the tonic. It adds a bit of tension.
3. Mediant: The third degree, often used for rest or resolution.
4. Subdominant: The fourth degree, creating a sense of stability. It's a whole step below the dominant.
5. Dominant: The fifth degree, creating tension and a desire to return to the tonic. This is a very important degree in harmony.
6. Submediant: The sixth degree, often used for rest or resolution.
7. Leading Tone: The seventh degree, a half step below the tonic, creating a strong pull towards it. 💡 This is the note that really makes the scale feel like it wants to resolve back to the tonic.
8. Octave: The eighth degree, which is the tonic an octave higher.

#Roman Numeral Analysis

We often use Roman numerals to represent scale degrees. Uppercase numerals (I, IV, V) denote major chords, and lowercase numerals (ii, iii, vi) denote minor chords. The leading tone chord is diminished (vii°). For example, in C Major:

• I = C Major
• ii = D minor
• iii = E minor
• IV = F Major
• V = G Major
• vi = A minor
• vii° = B diminished

#The Circle of Fifths

The circle of fifths is a visual tool that shows the relationships between major keys. It helps you remember which sharps or flats are in each key. Going clockwise adds sharps, and going counterclockwise adds flats.

Caption: The Circle of Fifths, showing the progression of keys by fifths.

#Sharps and Flats in Key Signatures

• Sharp Keys: Start with C Major (no sharps). Go up a fifth to G (1 sharp: F#). Keep going up by fifths, adding one sharp each time (D has 2 sharps: F# and C#, A has 3 sharps: F#, C#, and G#, etc.).
• Flat Keys: Start with C Major (no flats). Go down a fifth to F (1 flat: Bb). Keep going down by fifths, adding one flat each time (Bb has 2 flats: Bb and Eb, Eb has 3 flats: Bb, Eb, and Ab, etc.).

#Writing Key Signatures

A key signature is a set of sharps or flats at the beginning of a staff that indicates the key of a piece. The accidentals always appear in the same order, and it's important to place them correctly on the staff. Practice writing them in both bass and treble clef.

Caption: The order of sharps and flats in key signatures.

#Final Exam Focus

Okay, let's talk strategy for the exam. Here are the high-priority topics and common question types you'll see:

• Key Identification: Quickly identify the key from a key signature or a given scale. Practice going both ways (key to key signature and key signature to key).
• Scale Construction: Be able to write out any major scale using the W-W-H-W-W-W-H pattern. Don't rely on just memorizing key signatures; understand the underlying structure.
• Scale Degree Function: Understand the role of each scale degree, especially the tonic, dominant, and leading tone. How do they relate to each other, and what kind of tension or resolution do they create?
• Roman Numeral Analysis: Be comfortable with using Roman numerals to represent chords within a key. Know which chords are major, minor, or diminished.
• Circle of Fifths: Understand the relationships between keys and how sharps and flats are added. This will help with modulations and key changes.

Major scales are foundational. A solid understanding of scales will help you in many other areas of the exam. This is a high-value topic, so make sure you've got it down!

#Last-Minute Tips

• Time Management: Don't get bogged down on one question. If you're stuck, move on and come back later. Prioritize the questions you know you can answer quickly.
• Double-Check: Always double-check your work, especially key signatures and Roman numeral analysis. Small errors can cost you points.
• Stay Calm: Take deep breaths and stay focused. You've got this! You've prepared well, and now it's time to show what you know.

#Practice Questions

Let's test your knowledge with some practice questions!

Practice Question

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the correct order of sharps in a key signature? a) F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#, B# b) F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, B#, E# c) B#, E#, A#, D#, G#, C#, F# d) F#, B#, E#, A#, D#, G#, C#

2. What is the relative major of A minor? a) C Major b) F Major c) G Major d) D Major

3. Which scale degree is a half step below the tonic? a) Subdominant b) Mediant c) Leading Tone d) Supertonic

Free Response Question

Write a four-part harmonization of the following melody in G major. Include Roman numeral analysis under each chord. Use only root position and first inversion chords. Include a non-harmonic tone. (20 points)

Melody: G4-A4-B4-G4-D5-C5-B4-A4-G4

Scoring Breakdown

• Correct Melody (2 points): All notes are correctly notated in the given key.
• Correct Bass Line (4 points): Bass line is correctly notated, with appropriate leaps and steps.
• Correct Inner Voices (4 points): Alto and tenor voices are correctly notated, with smooth voice leading.
• Correct Chord Voicings (4 points): All chords are correctly voiced in root position or first inversion.
• Correct Roman Numeral Analysis (4 points): Each chord is correctly identified with a Roman numeral.
• Correct Non-Harmonic Tone (2 points): One non-harmonic tone correctly placed and identified.

That's it! You've reviewed all the key concepts for major scales. You're well-prepared for the AP Music Theory exam. Go get 'em, and remember to have fun making music! 🚀