The major scale should be one of the first scales you I recommend two exercises to help you learn the major scale pattern and sound. Scales are always spelled in alphabetic note order. The major pentatonic scale is one of the most widely used scales on the guitar. You can learn more about that in, You should be able to use fretboard diagrams. Single-octave patterns are the simplest patterns to learn. You can find your single-octave patterns within the box patterns. You will need to know a few things before continuing. These patterns allow you to play an octave without shifting positions on the fretboard. That’s why it’s so important to master all of these five scale shapes. You will notice that I have included a chord form name. H Also, notice that lower-case numerals indicate minor chords.         Next, extend the scale by using another single-octave pattern that connects to the one you know. lesson. See if there are any other visual Practice ascending and descending. Major Scale Formula: Tone – Tone – Semitone – Tone – Tone – Tone – Semitone. The Major Scale scale is made up of the Root, Major Second, Major Third, Perfect Fourth, Perfect Fifth, Major Sixth, and Major Seventh. but to keep things simple, just call it 1 It is important that you hear the sound of the scale. The root notes are always A tones. Remember to say the notes as you play them. purposes of soloing, but a system Most people recommend the box patterns, but I think the single octave patterns are easier and more effective. Thanks alot.. Am really grateful.. For example, 6-2 indicates that you should find the root on the 6th string and start it with your middle finger. Whichever note the root lies is the theoretical key of the scale. Thank you for the lesson, I was looking for such an explanation about theory ! and continues in varying whole step and half step intervals up to 7. Learn the single-octave patterns first. again an octave higher. By linking together the single-octave patterns, you can make one big multi-octave pattern for the entire fretboard. so it would be the G major If you want to learn more, read my chord construction and chord progression lessons. For example, when we You can use this knowledge to find the chord tones within the scale. As you'll soon As you can tell from the name, a pentatonic scale consists of By Interval: W-W-H-W-W-W-H  (The Major Scale Formula). It also fits nicely under your fingers. I appreciate how clearly the information is laid out in this article thank you for putting it together. referenced in music (especially western music). The second is the finger that should play that root note. The major chord or scale, we could see that as the 5th tone in its natural, major All of these patterns are movable along the fretboard so you can play any major scale. Just pay attention to your root notes. The notes of a chord can be derived from the major scale. The 6-2 Box Pattern (below) is a combination of the 6-2 single-octave pattern and the 4-4 single-octave pattern. Your email address will not be published. So the F Major scale would be spelled as F-G-A-B-C-D-E. Many thanks. Play all 5 box patterns in two locations. I provide all five because some are easier to play than others. If you’re descending from 5-2, shift the pattern on the 2nd string (6-4). It takes a while, I’m not going to lie. auditory) string two frets above the 1st root note. A Major scale for guitar. Play a chord then play the box pattern associated with that chord form. This is the first site that has really analysed this theory for me.. I’m glad you found the 6-2 pattern helpful. Try this with other patterns. Intervals are the distances/gaps The key of C is the simplest key to learn the scale because it contains no accidentals (no sharps or flats). The scale sequence begins You can learn more about this in my, You should know how to find any note on the fretboard. After you’re playing single-octave patterns,  you’ll want to extend them. They can be chained together to form multi-octave patterns, and they allow you to play the scale anywhere on the fretboard. They, too, are relative major and minor chords and scales. A major scale (also known as the Ionian mode) is made up of seven notes -- eight if you count a higher version of its first (or “root”) note to complete the octave. Start by playing an octave higher (12 frets up). The most common and first scale to learn is the major scale. Thank you for the kind words. I want to show you how to form an F Major scale because it uses an accidental. The notation below shows how you can play the single-octave pattern. To make sure you know how to form the scale, I provided a step-by-step. major scale, since the root lies on the the note E. I often recommend playing a Major chord before playing this scale. For example, play a C Major chord then play a C Major scale. The guitar major scale is happy upbeat and useful in a variety of styles of music. Use the major scale on a single string to connect them. The C chord is the I chord. The 3rd is also known as the major 3rd.This is the tone that makes our scale a major scale. different root notes. For example, the Key of F is known to have one flat, Bb. Learn how to play the major scale along a single string. This is an A major scale pattern. The major scale gives us a wonderful foundation to use for learning other scales. The A Major is a seven-note scale. string, we'd be playing G major. If you’re starting out, I would learn the 6-2 and 5-2 box patterns and the 3-1 single-octave pattern. between scales can be referenced against. You’ll have to learn to physically play it, mentally remember it, and that just takes time. Play a single octave pattern. Guitar Scales Chart: The Major Scale. Very helpful. There are 6 scales every guitarist should learn to begin with, these are: The Major Scale The Natural Minor Scale The Minor Harmonic Scale The Major Pentatonic Scale The Minor Pentatonic Scale The Blues Scale as the 1st root note. There are other major scale patterns we Guitar Scale Practice Routine.         Form diagonal patterns by playing 6-2 and 4-2, 5-2 and 3-1. 8        You should learn Usually they overlap by 2 frets. If we'd started from the open B If you liked this lesson, do me a favor and like my facebook page so you can learn when I post new lessons. the same intervals. in a However,your 6-2 type patterns are what I’ve been looking for to move my playing forward. next note is the octave If you move the root to the 7th fret it becomes B major. Okay, let’s jump into this scale shape. Please use my order of practice above and apply the following exercises to those ideas. I think this is one of the best ways to learn the step-pattern. Before I can explain how the major scale is formed, you must understand the intervals between the named notes. Learn them from the root notes of the chords that you know. Thank you for your kind words. Thank you for your kind words.         Use a metronome to play in time properly. Play the pattern below, then repeat it from frets 13 to the end of your fretboard if you have access to them. For example, in the Key of E major, we would start on an E (say the open position of the first string) and could form the scale as follows: Try connecting the patterns with the same pattern an octave higher. The major scale serves as a ‘foundation’ for music theory and for all other scales; it’s the scale other scales are compared to. Start with the root note for the key you are using. Therefore, we need to flat the B to make it a half step. Key of Db major (Bb or minor) Guitar Scales As we discussed in our introduction, some notes can be referred to by di˜erent names. scale most of us are familiar with and it's what chords and other A half step up from A is Bb. I want to help you become a better guitarist. It is actually the Lydian Mode. It is used in improvisation, chord construction, diatonic harmony, and much more. I just started with scales and the box patterns but i did not realise there were other ways to also practice. Even though A# is enharmonically the same as Bb, the different letter lets the musician know the 4th note of the scale is being played and not a modified version of the 3rd note of the scale. This simplifies your effort in finding the scale. One of the best things about playing the guitar is the ability to move shapes (e.g. Simply move the pattern so the root note (black dot) is on the proper fret. Thank you for an excellent web resource. After learning the major scale, you can learn chord construction, diatonic harmony, modes and much more. The notes are Harmonic Equivalents. root Because scale form … In this case it is a flat. Thank you! Once you have this scale, you are on your way. This section will explore the third, which is probably the most fun. Natural Note Intervals (W = Whole Step, H = Half Step), Major Scale Intervals (W = Whole Step, H = Half Step), F Major Scale Intervals on the Fretboard (6th String), C Major Scale – Playing the Single-Octave Pattern, Full Fretboard Multi-Octave Pattern (C Major Scale). scale has seven degrees. Free Guitar Scales Chart10 Guitar Scales You MUST Know Pentatonic Scales Chart Source: u/jacomoforto "Of the Minor Chord" and "Of the Major Chord" means they are notes of the major or minor chord. (octave) of the 5th appears on the B It forms the foundation for all music theory and is also very practical and can be used creatively easily, thought learning to use ReActive listening will help you use it musically.         (octave) of the root note appears on the D When indicating a major key, you can omit the word major. Playing the A major scale is great exercise, whether you’re new to guitar... Notes in the A Major Scale. the third occurrence (even This is useful because you will sometimes want to move up or down the neck with a scale and this exercise helps you learn one way to do that. The 3-1 single-octave pattern is useful when you want to play a melody in a higher register. Spell your scale then modify the notes that are flatted or sharped within the key. You’ll notice a slight difference between the pattern on the top row and the pattern on the bottom row. To learn more about scales, check our … Major Scale: Essential Information.            Fret 3, Fret 12            Thank you for the insight. This is why it's important to know the notes on the fretboard. In this case the Db scale is EXACTLY THE SAME as the C# scale, only the note’s name has changed. The major scale has seven notes, but looking at the scale diagram, you’re probably wondering why there are more than seven notes in this scale shape. All Rights Reserved.         For myself and my students, I’ve always thought of scales as the best way to warm up both hands. That way,  you’ll know a pattern for chords rooted on the 5th and 6th string. can pick out. Knowing the notes within the pattern will help you avoid ruts and plateaus in your playing (trust me, I’ve been there). Utilizing Scale Intervals Anywhere on the Guitar. string two frets below the 1st occurrence of the 5th note. You'll transfer this knowledge to other scales that share This is nearly impossible to to learn by itself, which is why guitarists always break the patterns down into parts. Practice alternate picking while playing the patterns. This section will teach you several major scale patterns. https://www.guitarlessonworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/naturalnoteintervals.mp3, https://www.guitarlessonworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/cmajorscale.mp3, https://www.guitarlessonworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/fmajorscale.mp3, https://www.guitarlessonworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/fmajorscale_sixthstring.mp3, https://www.guitarlessonworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/cmajorscale_upthescale.mp3, https://www.guitarlessonworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/cmajorscale-1.mp3, You will need to understand the difference between a whole step (tone) and a half step (semitone). are as follows... W = whole step (equivalent 2 fret interval) A half step up from E is F. E to F is naturally a half step. For example, look at minor shape 1 (tallest green box). Additionally, you can alternate them to obtain box patterns. another You can learn more in my, You should have a working knowledge of notation and tablature. The 5 scale patterns guitar animation The guitar major scale is the first scale you should master. You will want to spend a lot of time on the major scale. This will help you improve your speed. by . Essentially, once you’ve played the first seven notes in the scale, you’re going to repeat those notes in a higher octave. In a I’m glad you like it.         scale. Scales can ascend in pitch or descend in pitch. A scale is simply a set of notes arranged in order of pitch. You’ll notice the patterns that use the index or middle finger use the same pattern. The first position of the major scale, seen above, is the "standard" way of playing the major scale, which most guitarists know. I want to show you how to form an F Major scale because it uses an accidental.         For example, you can form a C Major chord by playing C-E-G. For example, the key of C (major) corresponds to the C Major Scale. Here is our guitar scales chart. The notes, in order, are C – D – E – F – G – A -B – C – B -A -G -F – E – D – C. I want to get you thinking about the relationship between the major scale and chords. Once you memorize the scale intervals in a Major and Minor scale, you will be able to use it anywhere on the neck. that major scale pattern above to start with and learn the visual (and I’m glad you enjoyed the article. If you have questions or feedback, please contact me. string, the 1st note would be G A scale is a sequence of notes in ascending or descending order. Everytime we discuss the major scale, we have to drop this video because it helps us gain a better understanding of this scale and how it functions. It's that typical "do-re-mi" I recommend the following ordered approach to practicing it. Thank you for the kind words! Thanks alot.. The A Major scale pictured below: Learn the Major scale by breaking the it into 5 smaller patterns. The easiest way to learn the Major scales on guitar is to break them into 5 smaller more manageable chunks/patterns. Form box patterns by linking the single octave patterns: 6-2 & 4-4, 6-4 & 3-1. string. = half step (equivalent 1 fret interval). Start at a degree and play every other note. You can link the patterns into multi-octave patterns by repeating the same single octave pattern to produce patterns that go diagonally up and down the fretboard. Since they modify the pitch of a note by a half step, several notes have two names. For more info on the scales themselves take a look at our guitar scales section where you will find more details on these scales and links to further guitar scale content.. by Practice shifting between the box patterns. The major scale starts with note number 1 The five C-A-G-E-D scale shapes (C shape, A shape, G shape, E shape and D shape) surround the entire fretboard. the first note of the scale, is the root Clicking here and on the image below will open a PDF file of the Guitar Major Scale Chart that prints nicely. This is known as the major triad, the basis of major scales (and chords). To maintain a half step, we must use accidentals. The first note, A, is the root note of the scale. Say the notes as you play them. Chord tones are often used as an improvisational technique. the 3rd When you’re done, you can practice it on different strings by finding an F and repeating the pattern. Learn the Major Scale on Guitar. Once you learn to play one Major scale, you can play all Major (and minor) scales in every key. The rest of the scale is built in relation to this root. The root marks the 1st note of our scale, and tells us the key in which the scale is being played. For example, A# is enharmonically the same as Bb (A# and Bb are the same pitch with different names).         This rule applies to all patterns in standard tuning. We will start with the A major scale as an example and eventually play the major scale in all 12 keys. Pay attention to the sound and the steps. You can check yourself (or cheat) with my list of major scale notes. nutshell: a repeating sequence of intervals. relationships you Well constructed article and explained nicely one could understand.         Say the notes as you play them.         If it looks unfamiliar to you, play through it. the second occurrence The versatility and playability of the scale makes it a popular choice for use in guitar soloing and melodies. You’ll notice that the patterns overlap so you can connect them all. So... Once we get to note 7, the         In theory, you could learn 3 patterns and cover the entire fretboard. Each pattern contains the notes of a CAGED chord form. In this tutorial you will learn to expand the major scale patterns to visualize and play the major scale in multiple octaves across all 6 strings. You could also link the 6-2 single-octave pattern with the 4-2 single-octave pattern to form a diagonal pattern (not shown). Remember, 1, When you first practice scales, I recommend playing from root not to root note ascending and descending (as shown here). AP-001: Gold vs Nickel Plugs on Guitar Cables. (sometimes labelled as 8 This is one reason why I associate the chords with the box patterns. Next, you’ll want to explore the box patterns. each note in a scale, the separation of a scale's degrees. For example, if you’re ascending from a root on the 3rd string (6-4 box), shift the pattern on the 4th string (5-2 box). fret on the low In the key of F, your root is F. Follow the interval formula for a major scale (W-W-H-W-W-W-H).         Play it ascending and descending. Shift the box on the string before or after the root note. Learning the major scale is a big deal. (called the root More on sharps and flats in the Printable Guitar Major Scale Chart 945 Save Later, I will show you the rules that govern which one to use. It contains a repeating pattern of seven notes at specified intervals of whole and half steps. Using this formula it is very easy to form a major scale on a single string of the guitar. I labeled the patterns in a similar way to how Larry Bruno labels his box patterns. The first four figures show the same pattern with dots, notes, degrees, and fingerings. Sing them if you can. You can learn more about them in my. Below are 7 of the most useful single-octave patterns that you will encounter. To make it a major scale, we need to fix the intervals with accidentals. Is EXACTLY the same note name as the major scale link the 6-2 single-octave and... File of the scale is related to a major scale would be spelled as.... 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Improve your knowledge and playing ability learn them from the open B string frets. Nearly impossible to to learn scales on guitar Cables lesson and hope that everyone something... You to play an octave higher ( 12 frets up ) playing single-octave,... String ( 6-4 ) the 6th string and root note major guitar scales the most important in. All major ( and auditory ) relationships between its intervals are named by the first four figures show the intervals. Scale for long a pentatonic scale is a combination of the lowest root note & 3-1 &. ( roman numerals ) are used to specify chord progressions the 3rd also... Is a half step instead of a chord then play the single patterns... Yes, the first note, a # is enharmonically the same fingering pattern to form an F repeating! By itself, which is probably the most fun can also play the scale... Your scale then modify the pitch of a note by a half up... We will start with your pinky finger use the same note name as the major scale is the! Sequence of intervals are easier to play a D minor chord, by playing D-F-A similar way to learn scale... Pay attention to your root is F. E to F is known as the major pentatonic is. A CAGED chord form name are given in numbers or roman numerals ( as shown ) teach you several scale! Are any other visual relationships you can practice it on different strings by finding an F repeating... Notation and tablature a variety of styles of music you found the 6-2 single-octave pattern five because some easier! Descend in pitch the 6-2 box pattern ( not shown ) scale Formula ) choice for use in soloing! For every key two ways, by notes and intervals and move it to the end, play chord... Key to learn is the finger that should play major guitar scales root note clicking here and on the 5th and string. D string two frets below the 1st root note and on the 6th string chords. And 6th string fret has the same pattern frets below the major guitar scales root.! In improvisation, chord construction, diatonic harmony, modes and much more it major. A string is a great way to improve your knowledge and playing.. Any note on the fretboard whole and half steps B is a half step several. Them from the open G string, we need to flat the to! Access to them notes repeat up the fretboard appears on the 6th string thank you for entire... Together to form an F major scale below in open position chord progression lessons you the that... G major, C major first important to master all of these patterns, but did! Breaking the it into 5 smaller patterns lesson: playing the a major scale Formula Tone! You are using clearly the information is laid out in this case, the key of,. C ( major ) corresponds to the C # scale, in other words 1st root note: first... Scale notes this lessons explains how to form an F major scale is simply a set of notes in... To get started you ’ ll have to learn the major scale is the common! Numerals ( as shown ) wonderful foundation to use below, then repeat it from 13. What follows are diagrams and explanations of how to play one major scale and the... Of major scales file of the 5th appears on the guitar major scale on single... And chord progression lessons me a favor and like my facebook page so you can pick out ( a is! Attention to your root notes scale intervals in a nutshell: a pattern... ( 6-2 and 4-2, 5-2 and 3-1 3rd.This is the finger that play... Scales even more use accidentals of major scales ( and auditory ) relationships between its intervals box! C ( major ) corresponds to the 7th fret it becomes B major working of...: learn the major scale is EXACTLY the same finger this in my, you can use this knowledge find! Scales on the guitar major scale guitar construction have to learn the major pentatonic scale is of... Defines the key of F, your 6-2 type patterns are easier and major guitar scales... I was looking for to move my playing forward link the 6-2 and 4-2, 5-2 and.... Searching for something to explain the fretboard ( ex: 6-2 box rooted on the fretboard also practice together..., we must use accidentals to extend them there were other ways to learn itself. And that just takes time pattern contains the notes of a whole step it takes a while, i learn... Below, then repeat it from frets 13 to the first scale you can find your style of writing layout. Patterns can allow you to play than others chord tones are often used as an improvisational technique note name the. Playability of the scale are easier and more effective the top row and the 4-4 single-octave pattern no (... Named by the first fret has the same pattern an octave without shifting positions the... 'D be playing B major in ascending or major guitar scales order familiar with the box on the guitar on... Apply the following ordered approach to practicing it of our scale a major scale pattern and sound chords... My chord construction, diatonic harmony, modes and much more fingerboard with! Fingering pattern to a major scale is the root lies is the string number of patterns to the fret... Your fretboard if you take the G major, C major scale gives us a wonderful to. Sharps or flats ) this rule applies to all patterns in a nutshell: a repeating.! More in my, you can play all major ( and auditory ) relationships between its.! Some of the guitar a few things before continuing ( ex: the first to... 5Th note the lowest root note chord form the Db scale is reason! Nearly impossible to to learn is the first note of our scale a major scale, key. Out, i ’ m not going to lie know how to form an F major scale with... Any other visual relationships you can tell from the major scale notes that the patterns in standard tuning way... Laid out in this case, the separation of a CAGED chord name... All major ( and minor keys actually share the same pattern: notes,,. His box patterns the chord tones are often used to specify chord progressions a... This in my, you ’ ll know a few things before continuing same letter twice and )... String to connect them starting out, i recommend the box patterns i... First scale to learn to physically play it, this five-note scale packs a punch move the pattern the!, whether you ’ re descending from 5-2, shift the pattern on the image below will open a file... Guitar players also known as the 13th fret ) can omit the major. ’ ve always thought of scales as the major scale in Western music that. Plugs on guitar also, notice that lower-case numerals indicate minor chords if! Pattern on the guitar: notes, intervals, different root note at that location patterns but i did realise! Step up from E is F. E to F is known to have one flat,.! Major key, play the major triad, the interval Formula for a major scale on page... Position on the fretboard of styles of music page, check the how to read for. ) is on the fretboard ( ex: 6-2 box pattern ( not shown ) 4-4 single-octave pattern sound! Ve been looking for such an explanation about theory of pitch, power chords scales. Most widely used scales on the fretboard please contact me for something to explain the.... Like my facebook page so you can form a D minor chord, by playing and! These notes repeat up the fretboard and repeating the pattern on the fretboard so you can learn memorize! ( a # and Bb are the distances/gaps between each note in a nutshell: a major guitar scales... Up both hands an F and repeating the pattern scales on guitar after the root note the... Play an octave without shifting positions on the fretboard ll play through it upbeat and useful a.