Scales & Modes
A scale is a family of notes that belong together. Select a root key to see all 7 modes — each is the same notes as the major scale, but starting from a different degree, giving it a unique emotional color. The root note is highlighted in gold. Below the notes you'll see the diatonic chords that naturally fit that scale, plus each mode's step pattern.
Interactive Piano — See Any Scale
Pick a root and a scale type to light up the notes on the keyboard. The gold key is the root.
▶ Play Scale ▶ Play Root Triad
Root
Scale note
Scale Step-Pattern Reference
Every scale is defined by its pattern of Whole steps (W = 2 semitones), Half steps (H = 1 semitone), and occasionally Whole-and-a-Half steps (W½ = 3 semitones). Learn the pattern once and you can play the scale in any key.
Mode Explorer — Every Mode's Chords in Every Key
Pick a mode. Each grid shows the seven chords that belong to it in every key — tap any chord to hear it. Start with Major and Natural Minor; the other five are the same notes starting from a different degree, each with its own colour.
Major Key — Diatonic Chord Grid
Every key produces 7 chords that naturally belong to it — called diatonic chords. This grid shows all of them across all major keys. The pattern is always I ii iii IV V vi vii° — uppercase = Major, lowercase = minor. Chord notes are shown below each chord name. Use this to find chords that sound good together in any key.
Natural Minor — Diatonic Chord Grid
The natural minor scale uses the same notes as its relative major, but starts on the 6th degree — giving it a darker, more emotional feel. Its chord pattern is i ii° III iv v VI VII. Notice: the i, iv, and v are now minor (lowercase), and the ii is diminished. This is why minor keys feel sadder.
Dorian Mode — Diatonic Chord Grid
Dorian is a minor mode — but with a raised 6th compared to natural minor. This one note makes a huge difference: it gives Dorian a brighter, "jazzier" minor feel. Formula: 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7. The defining sound is the IV major chord — a major chord in an otherwise minor key. Used heavily in jazz, funk, and rock (think "Scarborough Fair", Santana, Miles Davis).
Phrygian Mode — Diatonic Chord Grid
Phrygian is the darkest of the minor modes, with a ♭2 — a half-step above the root. This creates an exotic, tense sound often associated with Spanish/Flamenco music and heavy metal. Formula: 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7. The ♭II major chord (the chord built on the flattened 2nd degree) is its signature — a dramatic, unexpected major chord right next to the root. Hear it in: Metallica’s “Wherever I May Roam” and traditional Flamenco guitar.
Lydian Mode — Diatonic Chord Grid
Lydian is a major mode with a raised 4th (♯4), which gives it a dreamy, ethereal, slightly "floating" quality — brighter than regular major. Formula: 1 2 3 ♯4 5 6 7. You'll hear it in film scores (John Williams uses it often) and progressive rock. The ♯4 creates a tritone against the root, which is what gives it that magical tension despite being a major mode. Hear it in: “Flying” (the E.T. theme) by John Williams, and the Simpsons theme intro.
Mixolydian Mode — Diatonic Chord Grid
Mixolydian is a major mode with a ♭7 — one note lower than regular major. This gives it a bluesy, rock feel while still sounding bright. Formula: 1 2 3 4 5 6 ♭7. It's everywhere: blues, rock, folk, Celtic music. The ♭VII major chord is its trademark — think the intro riff to "Sweet Home Alabama" or "Hey Jude."
Locrian Mode — Diatonic Chord Grid
Locrian is the most dissonant and rarely used mode. It's like natural minor but with a ♭2 and a ♭5, making the root chord a diminished triad instead of a stable minor. Formula: 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 ♭5 ♭6 ♭7. Because the home chord itself is unstable, Locrian has no true "resting point" — which is why it's used for extreme tension in metal, horror soundtracks, and avant-garde music. Rarely used in full songs; more common as a passing mode.