1. 01 - Ionian (Natural Major)
The #1 scale used in popular music - from rock & roll, to pop to EDM, using this
scale in your tracks will give you the proven, field-tested notes and patterns you
need. Used in songs like "Butter" by BTS, "Kiss Me More" by Doja Cat, "Save
Your Tears" by The Weekend, and countless others. You can be certain that
when you use this scale, your notes will be proven to work.
02 - Dorian (Medieval)
A Greek scale used in ancient chants and hymns, now in the top 5 most popular
scales in modern music. If you want a variation to your usual notes that isn't too
far out there, but still different enough to draw attention - this is the perfect
scale for you. Used in songs like "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix, "Radioactive"
by Imagine Dragons, and "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk, you'll know when you use
this scale that you have a slam-dunk track
03 - Phrygian (Spanish)
Named after the ancient kingdom of Phrygia in Anatolia, this scale is the “rare
spice” of many top producers. When you use this scale, your music will have a
unique atmosphere of mystery and intrigue that's difficult to replicate any other
way. Also, commonly used by rock bands like Pink Floyd, Metallica, and Linkin
Park, the Phrygian scale will give you songs an unexpected touch
04 - Lydian (Ethereal)
Also known as the "Ethereal scale", originally used in Gregorian Chants, the
Lydian scale is by far the most bright, transcendental, and widely considered to
be the most magical scale to be used in modern music.
Used by artists like Led Zeppelin, Pearl Jam, Fleetwood Mac, When you start
using it, it will add a bit of magic to any chord, progressions, or melodies you use
it with.
2. 05 - Mixolydian (Celtic)
Attributed to Sappho of ancient Greece, it’s one of the most tried & true scales
in popular music. Famous for many modern rock hits, this scale centers around
the V chord, and helps you to add a driving, aggressive, and punchy energy to
your tracks. Used on songs like "Clocks" by Coldplay, "Bitter Sweet Symphony"
by The Verve, and "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns n Roses, if you want a bold yet
relaxed sound, this is the scale to implement
06 - Aeolian (Natural Minor)
Originating in the Aeolian Islands, this scale has been used on thousands of top-
100 hits. In fact, this is the second-most-popular scale in all of music. From
songs tracks like "Industry Baby" by Lil Nas X, "Bad Habits" by Ed Sheeran, and
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana, if you're looking for a darker, moodier
sound, then the chords, progressions, and melodies in this scale will help you
07 - Melodic Minor (Classical Minor)
A moody, nostalgic scale sure to trigger some emotions and memories in your
listeners. If you've been using the minor scale in the past, then this is the perfect
way to add some variation to your tracks. This scale is used from modern
productions to classics such as "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" by Elton
John, to "Yesterday" by The Beatles, even to "Greensleeves" by Mozart, as well
as countless Jazz standards
08 - Harmonic Minor (Baroque)
Originally championed by Mozart and Beethoven, now this scale is rarely used
by 'average' producers. Instead, it's usually reserved for the top 1% of
producers in the industry. From "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi, to "We are the
Champions" by Queen, to "Bury a Friend" by Billie Eilish, this scale absolutely
dominates the landscape of modern edgy pop music.
3. 09 - Major Pentatonic (Bluegrass)
Unlike a traditional 7-note scale, the pentatonic 5-note scale lets you simplify
your song-writing process and create music in a completely new way.If you want
a fast, easy way to create new popular music quickly, this is the absolute must-
have scale to have in your arsenal as a music producer.
10 - Minor Pentatonic (Blues)
This scale is the foundation of many blues scales, and has a vibe that is timeless.
One of the benefits of this scale is it can work over almost any chord of the key
effortlessly. Used in songs like "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran, "Under The
Bridge" by RHCP, "We Will Rock You" by Queen, using this scale makes writing
hits effortless.
11 - Lydian Dominant (Overtone)
Also called the Lydian ♭7 scale or the Pontikonisian Scale. This scale creates an
intricate, sophisticated sound for more advanced productions. When you use
this scale, you'll be adding a rare unique flavor to your music that no other
producer will quite be able to figure out.
12 - Harmonic Dominant (Flamenco)
Also known as the Phrygian dominant, this scale occurs in Indian, Middle
Eastern, Eastern European, Central Asian, and Flamenco music. By using
unique chords not found in other scales, this scale creates a unique energy that
makes people want to move, dance, and gives them a feeling of freedom and
ease.
13 - Double Harmonic (Byzatine)
Also known as the Arabic scale, this scale is prominent in the music of Deep
Purple, Opeth, and many other artists that break outside of the definitely of what
'normal' means. Arguably, the most well-known use of this scale is in Miserlou,
which was used as the opening theme to Pulp Fiction. It's a rare scale with a
dark quality that you're absolutely going to love
4. 14 - Major Sixth Diminished (Jazz Major)
This rare scale has an extra note, and uses diminished and augmented sixths to
create new evolutionary voicings that add color not usually found in standard
triads, or even 7th chords. While traditionally a Jazz scale, you can use this
scale in modern Hip Hop, EDM, and Rock productions to create that "Wow"
factor in your listeners that leaves them mind-blown.
15 - Minor Sixth Diminished (Jazz Minor)
Like any diminished chord or scale, the purpose of the Minor Sixth Diminished
scale is all about tension, tension, tension. The more tension you can create in
your music by using the chords and melodies in this scale, the more interested
your audience will become. Used in songs like "Bennie & The Jets" by Elton
John, "Don't Look Back In Anger" by Oasis, and "When The Party's Over" by
Billie Eilish this scale is perfect for creating that sense of 'limbo' in your listeners
that then leads to a perfect resolution.