The names of the intervals, such as Major 2nd, Minor 2nd, etc., come from Scales.
![](/files/tutorials/theory/scales/staircase.jpg)
A scale is a series of closely spaced notes in ascending or descending order.
The most common scale is called the C Major Scale.
![](/files/tutorials/theory/scales/staircase.jpg)
The Major Scale acts as a ruler. On a normal ruler the numbers are evenly spaced.
In a Major Scale, however, the numbers are not evenly spaced.
![](/files/tutorials/theory/intervals/uneven_ruler.jpg)
A Major Scale is made of two different units called a Half Step and a Whole Step.
![](/files/tutorials/theory/intervals/half_whole_2.jpg)
A Half step is the same size as a Minor 2nd, or a Semitone.
A Whole step is the same size as a Major 2nd, and is equal to two Half Steps.
![](/files/tutorials/theory/intervals/half_whole_2.jpg)
A Major Scale is made of an unequal pattern of Whole Steps and Half Steps like this:
![](/files/tutorials/theory/intervals/major_scale.jpg)
Whole Whole Half, Whole Whole Whole Half.
![](/files/tutorials/theory/intervals/major_scale.jpg)
This scale is so common that it is actually built in to most instruments, including the piano.
![](/files/tutorials/theory/intervals/major_scale.jpg)
Any time you play the white keys in ascending order starting on C, you have a C major scale.
On the guitar you can think of each key you see here as 1 fret.
![](/files/tutorials/theory/intervals/major_scale.jpg)
Please press the Exercise button below.