Scale ear training
A scale plays from its tonic. Name it. Start with major versus natural minor, then add the minors, pentatonics and modes.
Use headphones if you can. Keyboard: Space = play/next, R = replay, 1–9 = answer.
Colour notes: the quick way to tell scales apart
- Major vs minor: the 3rd degree. Four semitones up = major family; three = minor family.
- Lydian: major with a raised 4th. Listen for the step that feels “too high” in the middle.
- Mixolydian: major with a flat 7th. The top of the scale sounds relaxed instead of pulling to the octave.
- Dorian: minor with a raised 6th. Darker than major but brighter than natural minor.
- Phrygian: minor with a flat 2nd. The very first step is a semitone.
- Harmonic minor: the wide leap between the 6th and 7th notes.
See every scale laid out on a keyboard, with its step pattern, in the interactive scale builder.
Questions
How do I recognise scales by ear?
Decide major or minor first by listening to the 3rd degree. Then look for the “colour note”: a raised 4th means Lydian, a flat 7th in a major scale means Mixolydian, a raised 6th in a minor scale means Dorian, and a flat 2nd means Phrygian.
Why does harmonic minor sound exotic?
Raising the 7th degree of natural minor creates a gap of three semitones (an augmented 2nd) between the 6th and 7th notes. That gap is characteristic of many Middle Eastern and Eastern European styles.
Do I need to know modes for exams?
Most classical graded exams focus on major and the three forms of minor. Jazz, contemporary and college courses expect the modes too. Use the quick sets to match what you are studying.