This is a question asked by my new band director... we`re suppose to research and find out why major scales are called major scales and not some other names like `big scales` , `large scales` ? i simply couldnt find any answers for it so i hope that you people here would be able to help. Thankz!

If you don`t mind learning a bit of Music Theory in the process, I`ll explain.

There are two types of scales: Major and minor.

Major scales and minor scales have different intervals between different notes. For example:

C major: C,D,E,F,G,A,B,C

Scales are shown in terms of whole steps and half-steps. C-D is a whole step, D-E is a whole step (defined as 1), E-F is a half step (defined as 1/2) (same for B-C).

All major scales have a pattern of 1, 1, 1/2, 1, 1, 1, 1/2.

Minor scales have the pattern of 1, 1/2, 1, 1, 1/2, 1, 1 like the A minor scale: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A.

Hee, it`s all Music Theory. Major scales sound more..pleasing than minor scales (Minor scales sound dark and mysterious). Major scales are most often used in writing music as well.

I hope I helped some...though, I think all I did was confuse you. A website that might help is: www.teoria.com it`s got pretty much everything.

Feel free to email/IM me, if you`ve any questions.

~Chris

The word scale comes from the Latin word `Scalla` meaning `Ladder`. Which ovbiously means moving up and down. I think that should sum it up. The Major part is the type of scale, the key. Major and Minor.