The symmetrical scales.

These scales are called symmetrical because they are either all the same interval or the same interval pattern. Because these scales do not have a pattern of intervals that draws the listener to the end, they tend to leave the listener somewhat disoriented.

•   The chromatic scale
•   The whole-tone scale
•   The octatonic minor scale
•   The octatonic major scale

The pentatonic scales.

These scales are made of either 5 notes (penta) or variations that are clearly related.

•   The pentatonic minor scale
•   The pentatonic major scale
•   The blues scale

The church/jazz modes.

These scales are based on medieval church modes. Some go back to ancient Greece. They are commonly used by jazz musicians.

• The Dorian mode (sometimes called the "Jazz minor")
• The Phrygian mode
• The Lydian mode
• The Mixolydian mode
• The Locrian mode

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Last modified: 07/23/06.