Scale Comparison

Compare two scales and see what notes they share.

Scale A Blue

Scale B Amber

Common notes

Scale A only

Scale B only

Why compare scales?

Scales that share many notes are harmonically close — moving between them (modulation) sounds smooth. Scales that differ by many notes create a dramatic key change.

Relative vs parallel keys

C major and A minor share all 7 notes — they are relative keys. C major and C minor share only 5 notes — they are parallel keys with the same root but different character.

The circle of fifths connection

Adjacent keys on the Circle of Fifths differ by exactly one note. Keys two steps apart differ by two notes. Use this tool to see the overlap.