Section 1 - Scales and Keys
Candidates are expected to have a good knowledge of the notes that make up scales - this is essential if the scales learnt in theory are to be used in a practical context.
- From Preliminary to Grade 4 inclusive, some answers can be expressed by naming the notes in letter names (e.g. A natural minor = A B C D E F G A), although candidates who are also able to write out scales using notation (in a clef of their choosing) have the possibility of gaining higher marks. From Grade 5 onwards all answers must be given in standard notation.
- Candidates should have an understanding of scale spellings (e.g. pentatonic major scale = 1 2 3 5 6 8).
- Candidates should be able to identify or write out key signatures.
All scales and key signatures are fully illustrated and explained in the grade handbooks - which also contain sample questions and answers. Click here for more information or to purchase these books.
Preliminary Grade
- C major
- A natural minor
- G major
- E natural minor
Grade One
As Preliminary Grade plus:
- C pentatonic major
- A pentatonic minor
- G pentatonic major
- E pentatonic minor
Grade Two
As Grade One plus:
- D major
- D pentatonic major
- F major
- F pentatonic major
- B natural minor
- B pentatonic minor
- D natural minor
- D pentatonic minor
Grade Three
Scales to the range of 2 sharps and 2 flats:
- Major, pentatonic major, natural minor and pentatonic minor.
- Blues scales: C, G, D, F and Bb.
Grade Four
Scales to the range of 3 sharps and 3 flats:
- Major, pentatonic major, natural minor, pentatonic minor and harmonic minor.
- Blues scales: C, G, D, A, F, Bb and Eb
Grade Five
Scales to the range of 4 sharps and 4 flats:
- Major, pentatonic major, natural minor, pentatonic minor and harmonic minor.
- Blues scales: C, G, D, A, E, F, Bb, Eb and Ab.
- Dorian modal scales: D, A, E, B, F#, G, C, F and Bb.
- Mixolydian modal scales: G, D, A, E, B, C, F, Bb and Eb.
Grade Six
Scales to the range of 5 sharps and 5 flats:
- Major, pentatonic major, natural minor, pentatonic minor and harmonic minor.
- Blues scales: C, G, D, A, E, B, F, Bb, Eb, Ab and Db.
- Dorian modal scales: D, A, E, B, F#, C#, G, C, F, Bb and Eb.
- Mixolydian modal scales: G, D, A, E, B, F#, C, F, Bb, Eb and Ab.
- Lydian modal scales: F, C, G, D, A, E, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db and Gb.
- The chromatic scale starting on any tonic.
Grade Seven
Scales in all keys:
- Major, pentatonic major, natural minor, pentatonic minor, blues and harmonic minor,
- Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian and Mixolydian modal scales.
- Chromatic and whole tone.
Grade Eight
All requirements from all previous grades, plus in all keys:
- Locrian modal scale.
- Phrygian major modal scale.
- Jazz melodic minor scale.
- Lydian b7 (Lydian dominant) modal scale.
- Altered scale.
- Diminished scale.
