A♭ major scale
The A♭ major scale, with its four flats (A♭, B♭, D♭, E♭), is a rich and warm-sounding scale frequently used in Romantic period compositions. This scale is enharmonically equivalent to the G♯ major scale, though A♭ major is almost universally preferred due to its simpler notation.
The Ab major scale (A-flat major) follows the major scale pattern: A♭ to B♭ (whole), B♭ to C (whole), C to D♭ (half), D♭ to E♭ (whole), E♭ to F (whole), F to G (whole), and G to A♭ (half). The A♭ Ionian scale has been used extensively in Romantic piano literature, with composers like Chopin and Schubert writing some of their most beautiful and introspective works in this key.
The scale's mellow timbre and natural resonance on the piano have made it a favorite for nocturnes, waltzes, and other expressive pieces. In modern music, A♭ major continues to be valued for its ability to convey warmth and emotional depth.
A♭ major scale details
Information and technical details of the scale.
- Category
- western
- Type
- Heptatonic (7 notes per octave)
- Intervals
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1
- Formula
- 2-2-1-2-2-2-1
- Also known as
- A♭ Ionian scale, A♭ Ionian mode, A-flat major scale, Ab major scale, A♭ diatonic major, A-flat diatonic major
- Enharmonic equivalents
Related scales
Here are some scales that are related to the A♭ major scale. Or browse all piano scales.
A♭ harmonic minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-3-1
A♭ melodic minor scale
2-1-2-2-2-2-1
A♭ natural minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-2-2