major scale

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of major scale

First recorded in 1865–70

Compare meaning

How does major-scale compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• major scale vs. minor scale

Example Sentences

That puts it on a major scale and, if developed, could see a surface mining-and-processing operation that supports alumina production of some 1.8 million tons a year over a 25-year period.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

It's a major scale, theatrical experience priced competitively that invites audiences into the world of Elvis through immersive design, selective use of cutting-edge technology, live actors, and musicians.

From BBC • Jul. 22, 2025

It’s clearly working, and on a major scale.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2025

There are a few locally funded programs around the state, like King County’s mobile medical van, but nothing on a major scale.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 24, 2020

Some, like pentatonic and octatonic scales, have fewer or more notes per octave, but many have seven tones, just as a major scale does.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones