Lesson: The Major Scale

This is a lesson about the Major and Minor Scales. You will be learning what a scale is, how it is constructed and how to implement the scale up and down the fretboard.

One problem many guitarist face is they think there is only one way to play the scale. They learn the scale one way and always stick to that way and say "This is the major scale"


e------------------------------5-7-8-------------------
B------------------------5-6-8-------------------------
G------------------4-5-7-------------------------------
D--------------5-7-------------------------------------
A--------5-7-8-----------------------------------------
E--5-7-8-----------------------------------------------
(the example is in C major)



Well guess what, this is also the major scale!


e-------------------------5-7-8---------------------
B-------------------5-6-8---------------------------
G-----------2-4-5-7---------------------------------
D-----2-3-5-----------------------------------------
A-3-5-----------------------------------------------
E---------------------------------------------------
(the example is in C major)


Okay here comes the lesson....


So what is a scale?

A scale is a group of notes that can be used to create melodies. The group will usually consist of 7 notes. The first note in the group is referred to as the ROOT note. Like in the examples above, the first note also known as the "Root" note is a "C" so this is the C Major Scale.

So what is the purpose of scales?

Well, simply put, to create melodies, chords and songs. AS lead guitarists we all use and abuse these scales to express ourselves.

First up, we have the MAJOR scale:

It will usually give you a more happier sounding sound than its counterpart, the MINOR scale.

There is a certain formula involved to create this scale, and it goes:

Whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step.
Or you can say: 2frets, 2frets, 1fret, 2frets, 2frets, 2frets, 1fret

That is how you would construct your Major Scale.

So, when you start off on a C. Your formula will go C,D,E,F,G,A,B,C

It is better to learn the notes of the fretboard than just memorize a scale and its box patterns. This will help you construct songs, melodies and solos a lot easier, your songs may also flow better. You will also gain a feeling of new found freedom when soloing if you stop limiting your use of "box patterns" to memorize scales and begin learning notes.

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