The A-flat major scale is a musical scale that consists of the following notes: A-flat, B-flat, C, D-flat, E-flat, F, G, and A-flat. The distance between each note in the scale is called a “interval” and in this scale, the interval between each note is a whole step (also known as a tone) except for between B-flat and C and E-flat and F which is a half-step (also known as a semitone). The key signature of A-flat major has 4 flats: Bb, Eb, Ab, Db
| Relative key | F minor |
|---|---|
| Parallel key | A-flat minor |
| Dominant key | E-flat major |
| Subdominant | D-flat major |
| Component pitches | |
| A♭, B♭, C, D♭, E♭, F, G | |
how to play Ab Major scale
- Start by locating the note “A” on your instrument. This will be the starting point for the Ab Major scale.
- The next note in the scale is “Bb”, which is a whole step (or two frets on a guitar) above “A”.
- The next note is “C”, which is a whole step above “Bb”.
- The next note is “D”, which is a half step (or one fret on a guitar) above “C”.
- The next note is “Eb”, which is a whole step above “D”.
- The next note is “F”, which is a whole step above “Eb”.
- The next note is “G”, which is a whole step above “F”.
- The next and final note in the scale is “Ab”, which is a whole step above “G”. This note completes the octave and brings you back to the starting point.
- Practice playing the scale in ascending and descending order, starting on “A” and ending on “Ab”.
- Once you are comfortable playing the scale, try using it to improvise or play melodies over a backing track or chord progression in the key of Ab Major.
