How Many Scales Can You Use In A Song?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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There are 12 major scales – one for each of the 12 notes in an octave. There are 3 types of minor scales

Can you use more than one scale in a song?

Generally, songs are written IN a major or natural minor key. But you can play scales and chords FROM a different key. … Another way of saying this is that all the notes in the chord CMaj7 can be found in both the C Major Scale and the G Major Scale. Therefore

you can use both scales to improvise over this chord

.

Can you use multiple scales in one song?


Yes

, this is done routinely. Also, you might have C# minor for one part of the song and then E major for another part of the song. Quite a lot of music uses key changes like that – i.e., changing scales in the middle of a song.

Do songs only use 1 scale?


Not necessarily

, although most songs remain in the same key throughout. Some songs, though, do have key changes. Some songs blend/bend the rules with scales, or throw them out altogether (atonal music). Many songs stick to one key and scale throughout, however.

Can you combine scales?

You can do whatever the hell you want. seriously there’s no right or wrong way. Try

applying

various scales, then try combining scales, and then try abandoning scales completely and just follow your ears and instincts. Try simple licks and bends, try phrasing just a few notes together in many different ways.

Can a song have 2 scales?

Generally, songs are written IN a major or natural minor key. But you can play scales and chords FROM a different key. … Another way of saying this is that all the notes in the chord CMaj7 can be found in both the C Major Scale and the G Major Scale. Therefore

you can use both scales to improvise over this chord

.

Do songs stay in one scale?

It means that the main scale you want to use is the G major scale, but

you are always allowed to use other scales

.

Are songs written in one scale?

Most songs are

written in a key

. A key is the whole system of chords and chord functionality (which we’ll take more about in upcoming posts) based on one of the so called diatonic scales, of which the major scale and the natural minor scale (with its varieties) are the most common.

Do most songs stay in the same key?


Some songs stay in the same key all the way through

, and some songs change keys. Or it could start in C major but incorporate chords borrowed from other keys, use melody notes outside of the notes in the C major scale, or it could leave the key of C major entirely at one point, only to return to C major before it ends.

Do songs ever change key?

ADVICE: The most common places for key changes are at the change between verse and chorus, or in final repeats of a chorus.

Most songs don’t need a key change

. And in fact, since key changes result in rather distinctive moments, they can sound predictable and hackneyed if used too often.

Can minor and major scales combine?


Minor and major pentatonic work great together in major keys

and can “say” a lot more than if you were to just use one scale. This lesson will help you build licks that move smoothly between the two scales, in a blues context (but you can use what you learn in any style).

How do you blend major and minor scales?


Minor and major pentatonic work great together in major keys

and can “say” a lot more than if you were to just use one scale. This lesson will help you build licks that move smoothly between the two scales, in a blues context (but you can use what you learn in any style).

Can minor and major scales mix?


Minor and major pentatonic work great together in major keys

and can “say” a lot more than if you were to just use one scale. This lesson will help you build licks that move smoothly between the two scales, in a blues context (but you can use what you learn in any style).

Can a song be in two keys at the same time?

Polytonality (also polyharmony) is the musical use of more than one key simultaneously.

Bitonality

is the use of only two different keys at the same time. Polyvalence is the use of more than one harmonic function, from the same key, at the same time.

What is the only flat in the F major scale?

F major (or the key of F) is a major scale based on F, with the pitches F, G, A, B♭, C, D, and E. Its key signature has

one flat

. Its relative minor is D minor and its parallel minor is F minor.

Are most songs written in one key?


Not necessarily

. While the key gives you a good idea of what harmony to expect, not all the chords need to be in that key. Chords can be borrowed from other modes/keys, chords can created by chromatically altering tones, and you may even modulate or change keys mid song.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.