A♯ major scale
The A♯ major scale is a theoretical scale that is enharmonically equivalent to the B♭ major scale. While this scale exists in theory, it is almost never used in practice due to its extremely complex notation requiring multiple double sharps. The B♭ major spelling is strongly preferred for its much simpler notation using only two flats.
The scale follows the major scale pattern using complex sharp-based notation: 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).
While A♯ major is theoretically valid, composers almost always choose to write in its enharmonic equivalent, B♭ major, which uses just two flats instead of seven sharps (including three double sharps). This scale primarily serves academic purposes in understanding the complete theoretical framework of Western music.
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-sharp major scale
- 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