Questions: Major Scales

Question 1

Which of the following correctly applies the W-W-H-W-W-W-H pattern to build a D major scale?

• A. D-E-F-G-A-B-C-D
• B. D-E-F♯-G-A-B-C♯-D
• C. D-E-F♯-G♯-A-B-C♯-D
• D. D-E♭-F-G-A-B♭-C-D

Answer: (B)

Starting on D: W=E, W=F♯ (F is only a half step from E, so we raise it), H=G, W=A, W=B, W=C♯, H=D. Option A omits the required sharps; option C adds an incorrect sharp on G; option D uses flats that belong to a different key.

Question 2

A major scale can use both sharps and flats simultaneously — for example, having both F♯ and B♭ in the same scale.

• T. True
• F. False

Answer: False

Major scales use either sharps or flats consistently, never both. Each key signature is built from one type. Mixing accidentals would violate the W-W-H-W-W-W-H interval pattern and produce a set of notes that belongs to no standard major key.

Question 3

Why must every letter name (A through G) appear exactly once in a major scale?

Model answer: Each letter name represents a distinct scale degree. Repeating or skipping a letter misrepresents the interval structure and makes the scale impossible to read correctly in standard notation.

The W-W-H-W-W-W-H pattern steps through each pitch class in alphabetical order. Writing F and F♯ instead of F and G♭ would give you two versions of the same letter, breaking the rule that each of the seven letter names appears once. Correct spelling ensures every step reads as a distinct interval and is consistent with the key signature.