This formula enables you to work out every major and minor key signature and is much quicker than constructing every tone and semitone. I also give some tips and techniques for remembering the order of sharps and flats.

In this video, at 22:30, I refer to my exam technique guide "How to Take ABRSM Theory Grades 1, 2 and 3" available in Paperback and eBook from Amazon (links below to UK and USA sites) and show how this formula is an invaluable exam tool.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0756KRMLK
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0756KRMLK

Scales are a necessary part of all instrument lessons and are a large part of any instrument exam. But why should we bother? In this video I hope to inspire you to want to practise scales and to help you understand why it is so important that they should be an integral part of your practise time at any instrument, not just piano.

I also give a few practical tips to bear in mind each time you sit at a piano to practise scales and how to best practise scales for an exam.

Modes are scales systems which predate the major and minor scale systems. Even though they are the earliest scale system they are still widely used today in jazz, pop and rock music. They provide an important foundation to improvisation skills.

There are seven different modes: Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aolian and Locrian. Each one has a different combination of Tones and Semitones.

In this music lesson video I explain each one and simply demonstrate how to construct each mode.

A beginners music theory lesson on the melodic minor scale. This scale increases in complexity from the natural minor scale and the harmonic minor scale by changing in form as it ascends and descends. It is applicable to any instrument and also for singing.

Here I simply explain the process of construction of the relative minor scale in its melodic minor form and demonstrate it easily on the piano keyboard.

A beginners music theory lesson on the harmonic minor scale. This scale increases in complexity from the natural minor scale by adding accidentals in addition to a key signature. It is applicable to any instrument and also for singing.

Here I simply explain the process of construction of the relative minor scale in its harmonic minor form and demonstrate it easily on the piano keyboard.

A beginners music theory lesson on the natural minor scale. This is the most basic minor scale and forms the basis for all other minor scales.It is applicable to any instrument and also for singing.

Here I simply explain the process of construction of the relative minor scale in its natural minor form and demonstrate it easily on the piano keyboard.

The Major Scale is constructed from a pattern of Tones and Semitones/Wholes Steps and Half Steps. Here it is simply explained showing basic music theory and putting it into practise, demonstrated on the piano so you can easily work out any major scale or key signature.

I hope you enjoy my beginners music theory lesson. Check out my previous lesson explaining Semitones and Tones/Half Steps and Whole Steps.

A simple lesson clearly explaining the construction of Semitones and Tones/ Half Steps and Whole Steps.

Semitones and Tones are the foundation of every single piece of music we hear and play on any musical instrument in Western music. Whether it's popular or classical music, or whether it's singing, piano, flute, violin, guitar or bass guitar - it's all made of up tones and semitones.