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Music theory basics · updated 2026-08-16

SCALE

An ordered set of pitches inside an octave. Major, natural minor and the modes are the sets most pop, rap and dance music is built from.

Close-up of handwritten sheet music and a pencil on a piano music desk

SOURCES AND CITATIONS

Free, primary references for scale — standards bodies, manufacturers, government offices and university course material.

RELATED TERMS IN MUSIC THEORY BASICS

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