How are the scale notes worked out?

Each scale is an interval pattern measured in semitones from the root. The major scale, for example, is 0-2-4-5-7-9-11 semitones. The tool adds those intervals to the root pitch class and converts each result back to a note name.

Why does it sometimes show flats and sometimes sharps?

Note spelling follows the key signature convention. Flat keys (F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db) and any flat root spell their accidentals as flats; sharp and natural keys use sharps. This matches how the notes would appear on a staff.

What chord types are supported?

Triads (major, minor, diminished, augmented, sus2, sus4), sixths, all four 7th qualities, m7b5, dim7, add9, and major/dominant 9ths. Each is an interval set applied to the root, so any chord works in any key.

Is the harmonic minor different from natural minor?

Yes. Natural minor is 0-2-3-5-7-8-10. Harmonic minor raises the 7th to give a leading tone (0-2-3-5-7-8-11). Melodic minor (ascending) raises both the 6th and 7th (0-2-3-5-7-9-11).

Does the keyboard show the actual playable notes?

It shows one octave and highlights every pitch class in the scale or chord. A real performance would span multiple octaves, but the highlighted keys tell you exactly which notes belong to the set.

Scale & Chord Builder

A quick reference for guitarists, pianists, songwriters and producers who need the exact notes of a scale or chord in any key. Pick the root, pick the type, and the note list plus a highlighted keyboard appear instantly — no lookup tables, no guessing.

How it works

Western music divides the octave into twelve equal semitones. Every scale and chord can be described as a fixed pattern of intervals measured in semitones from the root.

A major scale is the pattern 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11 (whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half). To build C major, start at C (pitch class 0) and add each interval: C, D, E, F, G, A, B. Start at G instead and the same pattern gives G, A, B, C, D, E, F#.

A chord is just a sparser interval set built on the root. A major triad is 0, 4, 7 (root, major third, perfect fifth); a dominant 7th adds the minor seventh at 10, giving 0, 4, 7, 10.

The tool maps the root note name to its pitch class, adds each interval modulo 12, then converts the result back to a note name using the correct spelling for that key.

Note spelling

Two notes can sound identical but be spelled differently (C# vs Db are enharmonic). The builder chooses flats for flat keys and sharps elsewhere so the result reads the way it would on a score. This is a display choice only — the underlying pitches are the same either way.

Example and tips

A minor pentatonic (the classic blues/rock soloing scale): root A, pattern 0, 3, 5, 7, 10 → A, C, D, E, G.
Dorian mode is great over minor-key grooves — try D Dorian (D, E, F, G, A, B, C) over a Dm vamp.
For songwriting, build the I, IV and V triads of your key and you have the backbone of most pop progressions.
Composite or exotic chords (11ths, 13ths, altered dominants) extend the same interval logic — start from the closest preset and add the extra tones in your DAW.

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