major scales: WWHWWWH

minor scales: WHWWHWW

Note Pattern (Scale Formula)

The pattern of notes for major scales is W-W-H-W-W-W-H(whole – whole – half – whole
– whole – whole – half). This stands for whole step, whole step, half step, whole
step, whole step, whole step, half step.

What do we mean by whole steps and half steps? Whole steps and half steps represent
the distance between notes. For example, the distance between E and F is a half
step. The distance between B and C is also a half step. Take a look at your piano
keyboard. You will realize that there is no key between E and F and between B and
C. Two more examples of half steps (also called semitones) are the distance between
C and C sharp and D and D flat.