| Scales are the foundation on which all of music is built. | | | | signature. This is done by putting the required |
| A single scale, based on a particular tonal key, is one | | | | sign--sharp, flat, or natural--beside the note in question. |
| of the many building blocks that form this musical | | | | These "road signs" are called "accidentals." They raise |
| foundation. The key on which the particular scale is | | | | or lower the note by one half step. A sharp raises the |
| based, the tonic, serves as the scale's tonal center. | | | | note a half step, while a flat lowers the tone. This |
| Both melody and harmony are based on these basic | | | | enables musicians to keep the same relationships |
| musical units. Learning why scales are so important, as | | | | among the notes when they move a song to a higher |
| well as learning to play them proficiently, will put you on | | | | or lower range of notes. This is called "transposition." |
| the road to becoming a successful musician. | | | | Guitarists and other musicians transpose music to |
| Sometimes a tune departs briefly from its key, making | | | | accompany singers and other instruments. |
| it necessary to cancel what is required by the key | | | | |