Original melodic and harmonic examples for each scale with a pdf and corresponding mp3 are included in this Scale Index.

Inclusion Criteria 

• 12ET

• Pentatonic, Hexatonic or Heptatonic scales with a few symmetric scale exceptions* 

• With the exception of a nestled root or perfect fifth, no chromatic tones between scale degrees.

• No scales with intervals greater than a ditone between adjacent scale tones.

• A major or minor triad or a dominant seventh tetrad should be associated with the scale's tonic. In other words, the scale must have above its root a perfect fifth and major or minor third.

• Preference is given to those pentatonic scales composed of two triads that share only one note; hexatonic scales composed of two mutually exclusive triads; and heptatonic scales composed via the tetrachord method.

Exceptions

• Scales for which there is an application with an established harmonic function such as the common half diminished, or altered dominant scales. 

• Select symmetric scales that suggest a "tonic" (if ambiguous) major, minor, diminished or augmented triad.

About the Scale Forms

Heptatonic

The Heptatonic scales considered here are, for the most part, comprised of select tetrachords as outlined here.

Hexatonic

Likewise, Hexatonic scales comprised of two mutually exclusive major and/or minor triads have been listed below as outlined here.

Pentatonic

Aside from the most common scales, many other interesting five note scales can be constructed by combining triad pairs as outlined here. Additionally, some less common Pentatonics that are truncations of larger scales have been included.

Symmetric

A review of the commonly used symmetric scales - diminished, whole tone and augmented as well as selected "Modes of Limited Transposition." Here is a guide to terms used on this site.

Nomenclature

Many scales that are not widely used by western musicians have been included. Sometimes, for lack of an established system of nomenclature, names have been borrowed from other cultures and applied here. There are a number of reasons, including variations in tuning systems and criteria governing use, that the originals should not be confused with the examples that I've listed here.

*The symmetric octatonic (diminished) scale is the only possible arrangement of eight or more pitches that does not have three or more adjacent chromatic notes. Secondly, the seventh chord tetrad is the only four note arrangement for which there are no intervals greater than a ditone. Therefore, as per the criteria listed above, consideration is given only to traditional scales of five, six and seven notes and a few symmetric scales as mentioned above.