A Flat Major Scale

In this lesson, we learn how to play the A flat major scale. This scale consists of the pitches A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E♭, F, and G. Its key signature has four flats. The relative minor of A flat major is F minor.

A flat Major Scale Intervals

1. Tonic – The 1st note of the A-flat major scale is Ab.
2. Major 2nd – The 2nd note of the  scale is Bb.
3. Major 3rd – The 3rd note of the scale is C.
4. Perfect 4th – The 4th note of the scale is Db.
5. Perfect 5th – The 5th note of the scale is Eb.
6. Major 6th – The 6th note of the scale is F.
7. Major 7th – The 7th note is G.
8. Perfect 8th – The 8th note is Ab.

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A Flat Major Scale Diagrams

Here’s a diagram of the Ab major scale on the treble clef. 

Here’s a diagram of the Ab major scale on the bass clef. 

To learn more about this scale and others, check out my course, Learn Scales & Music Theory & Give Yourself An Upper Hand.

Video:

Here’s the A flat major scale on piano.

Scale Degrees:

1. Ab is the tonic of the A-flat major scale.
2. Bb is the supertonic of the A-flat major scale.
3. C is the mediant of the scale.
4. Db is the subdominant of the scale.
5. Eb is the dominant of the scale.
6. F is the submediant of the scale.
7. G is the leading tone of the scale.
8. Ab is the octave of the scale.

Major Scale Formula

Major scales are formed by combining whole step and half step intervals. They are based on the formula W-W-H-W-W-W-H. “W” stands for whole step, and “H” stands for half step. To count up a whole step (whole tone), count up by two physical piano keys, either white or black. To count up a half step (semitone), count up from the last note up by one physical piano key, either white or black.

Using this formula, let’s form the Ab major scale. Our starting note is Ab. From Ab, move up a whole step to Bb. From Bb, go up one whole step to C. Next, we move up a half step from C to Db. Next, we go up one whole step from Db to Eb. From Eb, we move up a whole step to F. Next, we move up one whole step from F to G. Finally, we move up a half step from G to Ab.

A Flat Major Scale Piano Fingering:

• Notes: Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G, Ab
• Fingerings (Left Hand): 3, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3
• Fingerings (Right Hand): 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3

The finger numbers are as follows: Thumb: 1, index finger: 2, middle finger: 3, ring finger: 4, pinky (little) finger: 5.

Chords in the Key of A Flat Major

Now that we know the notes of the Ab major scale, let’s learn the triad chords in this scale/key and their notes.

1. Chord I, A flat major consists of the notes, Ab – C – Eb.
2. Chord ii, B flat minor consists of the notes, Bb – Db – F.
3. Chord iii, C minor contains the notes, C – Eb – G.
4. Chord IV, Db major contains the notes, Db – F – Ab.
5. Chord V, E flat major contains the notes, Eb – G – Bb.
6. Chord vi, F minor consists of the notes, F – Ab – C.
7. Chord vii, G diminished consists of the notes, G – Bb – Db.

Learn more about the chords in the key of A flat major here.

Modes of the A flat major scale:

• Ionian/Major Scale: A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E♭, F, G, A♭
• Dorian: B♭, C, D♭, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭
• Phrygian: C, D♭, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭, C
• Lydian: D♭, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭, C, D♭
• Mixolydian: E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E♭
• Aeolian/Natural minor scale: F, G, A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E♭, F
• Locrian: G, A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E♭, F, G

Learn how to form major and minor piano music scales.

Learn how to form all types of piano scales.

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