Melody & Ear
Scale Dictionary
Explore major, minor, pentatonic, Japanese, and world scales on piano or guitar. Hear each scale and see the notes before using them in melodies.
Melody & Ear
Scale Dictionary
Melody & Ear
Scale Dictionary
Explore major, minor, pentatonic, Japanese, and world scales on piano or guitar. Hear each scale and see the notes before using them in melodies.
What is this tool?
Choose a key and scale type, and see every usable note listed — on the keyboard and on the guitar fretboard. Covers the basic scales (major, natural/harmonic/melodic minor), pentatonic and blues, Japanese traditional scales (Ryukyu/Okinawan, Miyakobushi, Hirajoshi, Iwato, Yo, Min'yō, Kumoi), and world/ethnic scales (Hungarian minor, Spanish Gypsy, Byzantine/Double Harmonic, Persian, Neapolitan, whole tone, diminished, enigmatic).
When it helps
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Writing melodies or solos
See the safe notes that won't clash. Pentatonic gives you just five notes that always sound good.
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Learning how scales sound
Play ascending/descending to hear the character of each scale. Compare major vs. minor — or diatonic vs. ethnic — by ear.
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Knowing the key's palette
Once you know a song's key, instantly see which notes fit. Handy for karaoke or ear training.
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Creating exotic or regional flavors
Use Ryukyu for Okinawan color, Miyakobushi for a Japanese feel, or Hungarian Minor for a Balkan/klezmer mood — scale choice alone sets the atmosphere.
How to use
- 1 Pick the key (C, G, D, etc.) from the top.
- 2 Pick a scale type. The dropdown is grouped into Basic, Pentatonic/Blues, Japanese, and World scales. Start with Major or Pentatonic Major if you are new.
- 3 The scale notes appear at the top — tap any to hear it.
- 4 Switch between 🎹 keyboard and 🎸 guitar to see where the notes live.
- 5 Use the Ascending / Descending buttons in the bottom dock to hear the whole scale.