major scale

noun

, Music.

1. a scale consisting of a series of whole steps except for half steps between the third and fourth and seventh and eighth degrees.

Word History and Origins

Origin of major scale¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

On lifting the fingers in successive order from the bottom end, we get the seven notes of the major scale.

From Project Gutenberg

Below is a table of musical nomenclatures, showing various relations between the notes of the major scale.

From Project Gutenberg

Inspection will show that these three major triads comprise all of the tones of the major scale D being the octave of D.

From Project Gutenberg

To illustrate the necessity for these additional notes take the major scale starting with B.

From Project Gutenberg

In using the various notes as the keynote for a major scale, 72 different notes in the octave would be required.

From Project Gutenberg