MAJOR AND MINOR SCALE:

The major and minor scales are by far, the most predominantly used scales in the western tonal system. The formula for construction of all major scales from a root note and to its octave is "T T S T T T S". The construction of a pure or relative minor scale from a root note and to its octave is "T S T T S T T". While containing the same notes as the major scale it was taken from, the notes are ordered differently and as are shown in the diagram below.

C Major Scale C-C
|------------------------------------|
1     2     3  4     5     6     7  8
C_____D_____E__F_____G_____A_____B__C_____D_____E__F_____G_____A
                           1     2  3     4     5  6     7     8
                           |------------------------------------|
                           A Minor (pure, natural or relative minor) A-A

Notice that the 6th note of the major scale becomes the 1st and root note for the relative minor scale. Pure minor scales are the same as, and therefore, also called aeolian modes. The major and minor scale forms shown below incorporate the use of accidentals (# & or -(flat)) and so alter their pure forms.

                        Ascending -> & <- Descending
Major Scale -           C      D      E    F      G      A      B    C
Harmonic Major -        1      2      3    4      5  -6         7    8
Jazz Melodic Major -    1      2      3    4      5  -6     -7       8
Gipsy Major -           1      2      3       #4  5      6  -7       8

                        Ascending ->
Melodic Major -         1      2      3    4      5  -6     -7       8
                        1      2      3    4      5      6      7    8  
                        <- Descending

                        Ascending ->
Mixed Major -           1      2      3    4      5  -6     -7       8
                        1      2      3       #4  5      6  -7       8
			<- Descending

                        Ascending -> & <- Descending
Major Phrygian -        1  #1     #2  3    4      5  -6     -7       8

                        Ascending -> & <- Descending
Pure Minor Scale -      A      B    C      D      E    F      G      A
Harmonic Minor -        1      2    -3     4      5    6         #7  8
Jazz Melodic Minor -    1      2    -3     4      5       #6     #7  8
Gipsy Minor -           1      2    -3        #4  5    6         #7  8

                        Ascending ->                                              
Melodic Minor -         1      2    -3     4      5       #6     #7  8
(Classic Melodic)       1      2    -3     4      5    6       7     8 
                        <- Descending

                        Ascending ->
Mixed Minor -           1      2    -3     4      5       #6     #7  8
                        1      2    -3     4      5    6         #7  8
                        <- Descending