Scales and modes by ear: adding accidentals to major, minor and modal scales

What this note covers

1. How the scale question works and what recent advice says
2. Tone-semitone patterns you must know cold
3. A step-by-step method for adding accidentals
4. Colour notes: what each scale sounds like
5. Descending and low-register scales
6. Writing accidentals so the marker can read them
7. Modes from the formula sheet and practice routines

7 sections · 11 key terms & formulas · 6 common mistakes