-->
-
-
-
-
Related Mahalo Pages
How to Play Guitar Chords | How to Play Guitar for Newbies | How to Read Guitar Tabs | How to Read Tabs | Reading Guitar Tabs | How to Buy a Guitar | Guitar | Guitar Amp | Guitar Tabs and Chords | Songwriting | How to Download Free Music | Air Guitar | Bass Guitar | Acoustic Guitar | How to Play Bass Guitar for Newbies | How to Read Music | How to Play Drums | How to Play the Harmonica | How To Play Piano Videos
Categories
Managed By: lon
Managed Since: 06/02/2009
Views: 111
Money Earned: M$2.99
Page revenue is subject to change as we obtain data from our partners
Managed Since: 06/02/2009
Views: 111
Money Earned: M$2.99
Page revenue is subject to change as we obtain data from our partners
Recent Contributors
- View History
- Discuss on the Message Board
- Embed this Page
-
Share this page
-
-
Introduction
]If you are at all familiar with playing the piano, you will know that a "Scale" is a group of musical notes that are played one after the other in either an ascending or descending order. There are many different types of scales, each with their own unique characteristics, note patterns and musical qualities. Here we will learn about a few of the most common scales (in Western Music) and how to use them to improve your guitar playing. Although playing and practicing scales can often be a tiresome and relatively unexciting process, don't be afraid! They will help strengthen your fingers, improve your hand-eye coordination, and greatly improve your ability to learn more advanced guitar techniques, such as soloing!
-
-
Reading Scale Diagrams
- The diagrams that are used in this lesson show which notes should be played in each scale and which fingers should be used to play each note. The small green circles show you exactly where on the fretboard you should play, while the numbers inside the circles let you know which of your fingers you should use to play the note. Here are some things to keep in mind when reading scale diagrams:
Finger Positions
- 1 = Index finger
- 2 = Middle finger
- 3 = Ring finger
- 4 = Pinky finger
- 0 = Play the note open: Don't fret any notes
Strings
- 6th String = E
- 5th String = A
- 4th String = D
- 3rd String = G
- 2nd String = B
- 1st String = E
Frets
- Since you don't actually put your finger directly on each fret, guitarists describe frets as the space on the neck between each metal strip. So, the 2nd fret would refer to the second gap between frets that is found on the neck.
Note: Although the diagrams and instructions below show how to play each of these scales in the Key of E, they can all be played in any key you want. At the bottom of each section you will find instructions on how to play each scale in the key of your choice.
-
The Chromatic Scale
- For our first scale, we will start with the most basic scale in music: The Chromatic Scale. While this scale might not seem very musically interesting to your ear at first, it is still one of the most important scales for you to know (as it contains the basic elements of every other scale). Here's how to play the Chromatic scale in the key of E.
- Start by playing the 6th string "Open."
- Next, take the index finger on your fretting hand and hold down the first fret on the 6th string. Pluck the 6th string again.
- Using your middle finger, hold down the second fret of the 6th string and play it again.
- Use your ring finger to hold down the third fret and play the string again.
- Use your pinkie finger to hold down the fourth fret and play it once more.
- Repeat these steps for each of the subsequent strings (except the 3rd string — only play the first three frets on that one).
Other Keys
- In order to play the Chromatic scale in other keys, follow this simple formula, starting on the root note of your chosen key (H = 1 Half-Step or 1 Fret and W = Whole Step or 2 Frets):
Root - H - H - H - H - H - H - H - H - H - H - H - H - Root
-
The Major Scale
- The Major Scale is one of the most important and useful scales to know when playing guitar. It has a bright, upbeat quality (much like a Major chord) and can be a great tool for soloing in songs that are in a Major key. Here is how to play the Major scale in the key of E:
- Play the 6th string "Open"
- Play the 6th string, 2nd fret
- Play the 6th string, 4th fret
- Play the 5th string "Open"
- Play the 5th string, 2nd fret
- Play the 5th string, 4th fret
- Play the 4th string, 1st fret
- To repeat the scale again, continue playing the rest of the notes in the diagram.
Other Keys
- In order to play the Major scale in other keys, follow this simple formula (starting on the root note of your chosen key):
Root - W - W - H - W - W - W - H - Root
-
The Minor Scale
- The Minor scale has a darker, more moody quality to it than the Major scale (much like a Minor chord) and can be a useful soloing tool for songs that have a similar quality to them. Here is how to play the Minor scale in the key of E:
- Play the 6th string "Open"
- Play the 6th string, 2nd fret
- Play the 6th string, 3rd fret
- Play the 5th string "Open"
- Play the 5th string, 2nd fret
- Play the 5th string, 3rd fret
- Play the 4th string "Open"
- To repeat the scale again, continue playing the rest of the notes in the diagram.
Other Keys
- In order to play the Major scale in other keys, follow this simple formula (starting on the root note of your chosen key):
Root - W - H - W - W - H - W - W - Root
- The Minor scale has a darker, more moody quality to it than the Major scale (much like a Minor chord) and can be a useful soloing tool for songs that have a similar quality to them. Here is how to play the Minor scale in the key of E:
-
The Pentatonic Major Scale
- The Pentatonic Major scale is extremely similar to the Major scale in that it basically just the Major scale minus two notes (the 4th and 7th notes of the scale). The root of the word Pentatonic is "Penta", which is Greek for "Five", meaning that all Pentatonic scales will have 5 notes instead of 7. Here is how to play the Pentatonic major scale in the key of E:
- Play the 6th string "Open"
- Play the 6th string, 2nd fret
- Play the 6th string, 4th fret
- Play the 5th string, 2nd fret
- Play the 5th string, 4th fret
- To repeat the scale again, continue playing the rest of the notes in the diagram.
Other Keys
- In order to play the Pentatonic Minor scale in other keys, follow this simple formula, starting on the root note of your chosen key (W + H = 1 1/2 Steps or 3 Frets):
Root - W - W - (W + H) - W - (W + H) - Root
- The Pentatonic Major scale is extremely similar to the Major scale in that it basically just the Major scale minus two notes (the 4th and 7th notes of the scale). The root of the word Pentatonic is "Penta", which is Greek for "Five", meaning that all Pentatonic scales will have 5 notes instead of 7. Here is how to play the Pentatonic major scale in the key of E:
-
The Pentatonic Minor Scale
- Often known as the "Blues" scale, the minor pentatonic is a popular scale for soloing in the Blues and Rock genres.
- Play the 6th string, 3rd fret
- Play the 5th string "Open"
- Play the 5th string, 2nd fret
- Play the 4th string "Open"
- Play the 4th string, 2nd fret
- Play the 3rd string "Open"
- To finish the scale, continue playing the rest of the notes in the diagram.
Other Keys
- In order to play the Pentatonic Minor scale in other keys, follow this simple formula, starting on the root note of your chosen key:
Root - (W + H) - W - W - (W + H) - W - Root
-
The Harmonic Minor Scale
- The Harmonic minor is one of the more exotic sounding scales available to guitarists, and as such is not used terribly often. Even if you don't use it very often, the Harmonic minor is a great scale to use when you are looking for something that sounds different than the typical scales you usually use. Here is how to play the Harmonic minor scale in the key of E:
- Play the 6th string "Open"
- Play the 6th string, 2nd fret
- Play the 6th string, 3rd fret
- Play the 5th string "Open"
- Play the 5th string, 2nd fret
- Play the 5th string, 3rd fret
- Play the 4th string, 1st fret
- To repeat the scale, continue playing the rest of the notes in the diagram
Other Keys
- In order to play the Harmonic Minor scale in other keys, follow this simple formula (starting on the root note of your chosen key):
Root - W - H - W - W - H - (W + H) - H - Root
- The Harmonic minor is one of the more exotic sounding scales available to guitarists, and as such is not used terribly often. Even if you don't use it very often, the Harmonic minor is a great scale to use when you are looking for something that sounds different than the typical scales you usually use. Here is how to play the Harmonic minor scale in the key of E:
-
-
Other Scales
While these are some of the more popular scales, there are many other scales that we haven't gone over. Use this handy scale finder in order to learn the various other scales that can be used. -
Practice Lessons
- In order to master each of these scales and fully understand how they can be used in different situations, you will need to practice them on a regular basis. I know that practicing your scales can be tedious and boring, but it really will pay off in the end. Trust me. Here are some tips on how to practice your scales:
- Make sure to practice somewhere quiet so that you don't get distracted and so you can focus completely on learning these scales.
- Practice each of these scales for at least 30 minutes or until you are confident enough to move on to the next one. Make sure that you can transition smoothly from each note of the scale to the next one. Practice until you don't need to pause in between each note.
- Once you have mastered playing each scale from top to bottom, try playing it backwards by starting on the last note of the scale and playing in reverse order back to the first note.
- If you have mastered all of these scales and are looking for a more challenging exercise, try this: Play the first 2 notes of a scale, then move back 1 note and play that. Move up 2 and back 1, up 2 and back 1 until you are done playing the scale. This will make it sound like you are "Walking" down the scale.
-
Conclusion
- There is no getting around it. Learning and practicing guitar scales is not the most enjoyable way to spend your time. That's a given. But no matter how much you'd rather be jamming or playing songs, practicing scales is probably the best way for you to increase your musical knowledge and become a better guitar player. Not only will it improve the dexterity and strength of your fingers, it will also give you a better understanding of how solos are constructed and which notes can be used to create a memorable solo. So take the time to really master each of these scales. When you're on stage ripping a tasty solo, you'll be glad you did!
-
How to Play Guitar Scales on Twitter Powered by Twitter
-
News:How To Play Guitar Scales Over The Entire Fretboard In A Fluid, Musical And Effortless Way. Click here! http://bit.ly/2zeGuH
@I_love_guitars | November 15, 2009 09:26 AM -
How To Play Guitar Scales Over The Entire Fretboard In A Fluid, Musical And Effortless Way. Read Now. http://bit.ly/2zeGuH
@I_love_guitars | November 11, 2009 06:26 AM -
How To Play Guitar Scales Over The Entire Fretboard In A Fluid, Musical And Effortless Way. Click Now. http://bit.ly/2zeGuH
@I_love_guitars | November 09, 2009 09:26 PM -
How To Play Guitar Scales Over The Entire Fretboard In A Fluid, Musical And Effortless Way. Read How. http://bit.ly/2zeGuH
@I_love_guitars | November 08, 2009 12:26 PM -
How To Play Guitar Scales Over The Entire Fretboard In A Fluid, Musical And Effortless Way. Learn more. http://bit.ly/2zeGuH
@I_love_guitars | November 07, 2009 03:26 AM
-
-
-
How to Play Guitar Scales on Amazon | View All
-
-
Guitar Scales Learn How To Play Chords Blues Etc Art White Wood-Mounted Poster Print - 24" X 36"
We bring you the best selection of Movie Posters, Music Posters, Sports Posters, Art Prints, Television Posters, College Humor, and more! This is the premier destination for finding entertainment posters. Find authentic movie advertisements...
Amazon -
Learn How To Play Guitar - $4.70
The method is intended for any mature learner fifteen years old or older who has not had any prior exposure to the classical guitar. The only prerequisite that is obligatory is your desire to learn, and the patience to understand that every...
Amazon -
-
How to Play Guitar: Electric And Acoustic - The Basics and Beyond - Chords, Scales, Tunes, and Tips - $14.95
Packaged with an audio CD containing 12 lessons from the book, this easy-to-use guide provides lessons for playing electrics and acoustics by some of the guitar world's top teachers, including Rick Gartner, Happy Traum, and Arlen Roth. 25 p...
Amazon
-
-
Questions and Answers About How to Play Guitar Scales | View All | Ask a Question
View All How to Play Guitar Scales Questions (2429) | Ask a QuestionWhats a good resource for learning how to play the electric guitar? (3 Answers)Homespun videos have some great DVD's for you to learn electrict guitar. From beginning to advanced, they have a video for you. I have purchased a couple of their videos ... read moreplease if u want to use the bass guitar for any music which key will u use to play the music (1 Answer)You're not so much in a "key" per se. Open bass strings don't really give us a "key" to work within. You can play progressions from the keys of C, ... read moreDo you like to play an Electric Guitar or Acoustic Guitar best? (4 Answers)I started out acoustic 40+ years ago, and am still most comfortable there. Add a pickup and amp, and you're plugged versus unplugged anyway, so I like that versatility. My ... read moreWhat are some good songs with piano and guitar that my girlfriend and I can play together? (3 Answers)Try these links: http://www.musicnotes.com/ http://www.sheetor.com/ http://www.pianofiles.com/ http://www.writtenmelodies.com/ http://my-piano.blogspot.com/ http://pianotte.szm.com/ http://fsm3000.thatsjustme.net/sheets...... http://www.mx-music.com/ http://www.tapartoche.com/ http://pianomusicsheet.blogspot.com/ http://www.themusicblogger.com/ http://www.thepianocian.com/ http://words3music.100free.com/ read more
Ask a Question about How to Play Guitar Scales 140 characters
-
How to Play Guitar Scales on Twitter Powered by Twitter
-
News:How To Play Guitar Scales Over The Entire Fretboard In A Fluid, Musical And Effortless Way. Click here! http://bit.ly/2zeGuH
@I_love_guitars | November 15, 2009 09:26 AM -
How To Play Guitar Scales Over The Entire Fretboard In A Fluid, Musical And Effortless Way. Read Now. http://bit.ly/2zeGuH
@I_love_guitars | November 11, 2009 06:26 AM -
How To Play Guitar Scales Over The Entire Fretboard In A Fluid, Musical And Effortless Way. Click Now. http://bit.ly/2zeGuH
@I_love_guitars | November 09, 2009 09:26 PM -
How To Play Guitar Scales Over The Entire Fretboard In A Fluid, Musical And Effortless Way. Read How. http://bit.ly/2zeGuH
@I_love_guitars | November 08, 2009 12:26 PM -
How To Play Guitar Scales Over The Entire Fretboard In A Fluid, Musical And Effortless Way. Learn more. http://bit.ly/2zeGuH
@I_love_guitars | November 07, 2009 03:26 AM
-
-
How to Play Guitar Scales on Amazon | View All
-
-
Guitar Scales Learn How To Play Chords Blues Etc Art White Wood-Mounted Poster Print - 24" X 36"
We bring you the best selection of Movie Posters, Music Posters, Sports Posters, Art Prints, Television Posters, College Humor, and more! This is the premier destination for finding entertainment posters. Find authentic movie advertisements...
Amazon -
Learn How To Play Guitar - $4.70
The method is intended for any mature learner fifteen years old or older who has not had any prior exposure to the classical guitar. The only prerequisite that is obligatory is your desire to learn, and the patience to understand that every...
Amazon -
-
How to Play Guitar: Electric And Acoustic - The Basics and Beyond - Chords, Scales, Tunes, and Tips - $14.95
Packaged with an audio CD containing 12 lessons from the book, this easy-to-use guide provides lessons for playing electrics and acoustics by some of the guitar world's top teachers, including Rick Gartner, Happy Traum, and Arlen Roth. 25 p...
Amazon
-
-
How to Play Guitar Scales on Twitter Powered by Twitter
-
News:How To Play Guitar Scales Over The Entire Fretboard In A Fluid, Musical And Effortless Way. Click here! http://bit.ly/2zeGuH
@I_love_guitars | November 15, 2009 09:26 AM -
How To Play Guitar Scales Over The Entire Fretboard In A Fluid, Musical And Effortless Way. Read Now. http://bit.ly/2zeGuH
@I_love_guitars | November 11, 2009 06:26 AM -
How To Play Guitar Scales Over The Entire Fretboard In A Fluid, Musical And Effortless Way. Click Now. http://bit.ly/2zeGuH
@I_love_guitars | November 09, 2009 09:26 PM -
How To Play Guitar Scales Over The Entire Fretboard In A Fluid, Musical And Effortless Way. Read How. http://bit.ly/2zeGuH
@I_love_guitars | November 08, 2009 12:26 PM -
How To Play Guitar Scales Over The Entire Fretboard In A Fluid, Musical And Effortless Way. Learn more. http://bit.ly/2zeGuH
@I_love_guitars | November 07, 2009 03:26 AM
-
-
How to Play Guitar Scales on Amazon | View All
-
-
Guitar Scales Learn How To Play Chords Blues Etc Art White Wood-Mounted Poster Print - 24" X 36"
We bring you the best selection of Movie Posters, Music Posters, Sports Posters, Art Prints, Television Posters, College Humor, and more! This is the premier destination for finding entertainment posters. Find authentic movie advertisements...
Amazon -
Learn How To Play Guitar - $4.70
The method is intended for any mature learner fifteen years old or older who has not had any prior exposure to the classical guitar. The only prerequisite that is obligatory is your desire to learn, and the patience to understand that every...
Amazon -
-
How to Play Guitar: Electric And Acoustic - The Basics and Beyond - Chords, Scales, Tunes, and Tips - $14.95
Packaged with an audio CD containing 12 lessons from the book, this easy-to-use guide provides lessons for playing electrics and acoustics by some of the guitar world's top teachers, including Rick Gartner, Happy Traum, and Arlen Roth. 25 p...
Amazon
-
-
Resources for How to Play Guitar Scales
- Band Notes: Half Steps, Whole Steps & Scale Formulas
- All Guitar Chords: Guitar Scale Finder
- Guitar School Online: Scale Finder
- ChordBook.com: Guitar Scales
- WikiBooks: Guitar/Scales
- Guitar Noise: Scales
