How do I find a musical scale from notes?
Select Find from notes. Add the notes that you know. The finder lists exact scales first and then scales that contain extra notes.
Theory tool
Musical Scale Finder
Build a scale from its root, or identify scales from the notes you already have.
Piano and guitar views
Note names
Formula
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Bright, resolved, and stable.
Audio starts only after you press play.
Selected scale
C Major
7
Notes
Two octaves from C to B
Quick method
How to Use the Musical Scale Finder
01
Choose a root
Start with the note that sounds like home.
02
Select a scale
Compare the note set, formula, and sound.
03
Map the notes
Switch between piano and guitar positions.
Read the result
What the Scale Diagram Shows
Root
The gold note is the tonal center. Resolve phrases to this note to hear the scale.
Intervals
The formula measures every note from the root. Flat and sharp signs show alterations.
Positions
The piano and fretboard repeat the same pitch classes across the instrument.
Common questions
Musical Scale Finder FAQ
What is the difference between a scale and a key?
A scale is an ordered set of notes. A key uses those notes around a tonal center and includes harmony and musical function.
Why can the same notes match more than one scale?
Relative scales and modes can use the same notes with a different root. The root changes which note sounds like home.
Are sharp and flat notes the same pitch?
Some sharp and flat names are enharmonic equivalents. For example, C sharp and D flat use the same piano key in equal temperament.
Turn the notes into harmony
Open the chord library to find shapes that use the selected key.