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Major vs Minor Keys: An Example Using the G Major Scale
Major keys and scales are referred to as keys and scale of the major mode. Minor keys and scales are referred to as keys and scales of the minor mode.
For example, to play the G major scale notes, you need to preserve the major scale interval order. Notice what happens at scale degree 7. Instead of F (a note in the key of C major), you have to use F♯ when you’re in the key of G major. If you don’t, you will violate the major scale interval order:
That’s because, in the key of C major, the note F is in a completely different location in the scale—it’s at scale degree 4, not 7.
On the piano, to play in the key of G major, you start the scale on the note G and continue through all the white notes except F. Instead of F, you play the black note, F♯.
G major and C major are both called major keys and you use major scales to play in these keys. The term mode is still used to refer collectively to keys and scales of the same type.
- Major keys and scales are referred to as keys and scales of the major mode.
- Minor keys and scales are referred to as keys and scales of the minor mode.