The major pentatonic scale is a guitarist’s go-to for creating solos that feel fresh, uplifting and bright. It’s the secret sauce behind some of the most memorable guitar solos in music history. You’ll find these solos in country music a lot of the time, but also in classic rock (The Eagles), folk (Hank Williams), blues (Freddy King, John Mayer) and pop music (The Beatles).

Major Pentatonic Scale vs Minor Pentatonic Scale

The major pentatonic scale (Formula: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6) and minor pentatonic scale ((Formula: 1, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭7)) have their differences. The minor pentatonic scale offers a more bluesy, darker feel and is ideal for minor keys or blues progressions. Although they share the same set of notes in their relative forms, the starting note and tonal center determine their distinct emotional impact.

The major pentatonic scale is derived from the major scale (Formula: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), but with two notes removed: the 4th and 7th degrees. This makes the scale sound “open” and free of dissonance.

The formula for the major pentatonic scale can be expressed as:

• 1 (Root)
• 2 (Major 2nd)
• 3 (Major 3rd)
• 5 (Perfect 5th)
• 6 (Major 6th)

For example, in G major:

• G (Root)
• A (Major 2nd)
• E (Major 3rd)
• D (Perfect 5th)
• E (Major 6th)

How to Play the Major Pentatonic Scale

In the diagrams below you find the two most common major pentatonic scale shapes. Both scale shapes are G major pentatonic and contain the same notes but played in different positions on the fretboard.

Once you’ve got these two scale shapes under your belt, you can also practice all five major pentatonic scales to really know your way around the fretboard and understand all the major pentatonic solos to their full extend.

Songs with Major Pentatonic Scale Solos

In this post, we’ll dive into some iconic songs that have harnessed the power of the major pentatonic scale to craft beautiful guitar solos. Let’s explore how this five-note scale has shaped guitar history!

We’re starting with “Let it be” by The Beatles. George Harrison is playing a C major Pentatonic Solo.

• Take it easy – The Eagles ( G major pentatonic )

• Tennessee whiskey – Chris Stapleton ( A major pentatonic )

• Knocking on heavens door – Guns ‘n Roses ( G major pentatonic )

• Something like Olivia – John Mayer ( G major pentatonic )

• Let her cry – Hootie and the blowfish ( G major pentatonic )

• Everything I do – Bryan Adams ( C# major pentatonic )

• Jaleous again – Black Crowes ( D major pentatonic )

• Sweet home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd ( G major pentatonic )

• Blue sky – Almann brothers ( E major pentatonic )

• People get ready – Jeff Beck / Rod Stewart ( D major pentatonic )

• Hard to handle – Black Crows( B major pentatonic )

• No woman, No Cry – Bob Marley ( C major pentatonic )

• Friends in low places – Garth Brooks ( A major pentatonic )

• Queen of California- John Mayer ( B major pentatonic )

If you have any questions or remarks leave them in the comment section below. I appreciate it. ~ Klaus Crow

Hi Folks, it’s weekend!! Today I will treat you with a really cool easy open string blues lick in the key of E. You will love this one!

Easy Open String Blues Lick in the Key of E

What is an open string blues lick? An open string blues lick is a blues lick that uses a combination of fretted notes and open strings. Open string blues licks are widely used in blues and by blues guitar players. Stevie Ray Vaughan was a huge fan of open string licks.

See below for the blues licks tablature and accompanying video guitar lesson

Don’t forget to share your feedback in the comments. I’d love to know who you are and how you’re doing.

Enjoy!

Hi dear fellow guitar players, it’s time for the 5th position of the Major Scale series. The final CAGED shape position of the 5 positions. Also check out position 1, position 2, position 3, position 4 if you haven’t been able to do that yet. Now is the time to improve your skills and become an accomplished guitar player.

5th Position G Major Scale

We are going to learn the Major scale “5th position”, also referred to as the G-shape. Once you’ve practiced all these scale position thoroughly you have a broader understanding of the how the major scale works across the entire fretboard. The more you expand your knowledge of scales and music theory the more you will understand the overall picture of how music works and that will result into better playing, better soloing, better music composition skills, better everything guitar. So don’t waste your time and get to work.

See below for the scale diagram, tablature and guitar video lesson

Welcome you diligent guitar student. You have arrived at Part IV of the “One-Octave Natural Minor Scales” Series. The final lesson of these series to practice, play and put it all together. Let’s get your hands dirty!

If you are a first timer in these series start from the beginning and check out:

Powerful One-Octave Natural Minor Scales – Part I

Powerful One-Octave Natural Minor Scales – Part II

Powerful One-Octave Natural Minor Scales – Part III

In Part IV we’re going up the strings again and start with the root note from the G-string (3rd string) all the way up to the high e-string (1st string). We have 3 different scale patterns to learn, all containing the same notes of the natural minor scale.

Why Learn One-Octave Natural Minor Scales?

Learning one-octave natural minor scales will make you see and understand the overal picture of the scale in a clearer way. You can easily recognize the shape, the structure, the notes and the intervals of the scale, also how to practice and put it in action, since it’s only one octave. The scale is as important for beginners as it is for intermediate guitar players. Both will benefit from these scale tremendously.

If you found yourself in this lesson but you’re looking to learn the two-octave natural minor scales, or you want a follow up for the “One-octave Natural Minor Scales Series” check out: Exploring the Natural Minor Scale and The 5 natural minor scale positions you must know. If you stay with this lesson, focus and dominate!

Left and Right Hand Playing

You can read the one-octave minor scale patterns in the tablature below.

In the yellow diagrams you can see the left hand fingering (right hand players) for each scale shape / pattern. The numbers in the dots indicate the fingers. The red notes are the root notes.

| 1 = index | 2 = middle finger | 3 = ring finger | 4 = pinky |

Try to visualize the shape of each scale pattern. See the form of the scale and how the notes are placed on the strings in your mind’s eye. When you have the scale shape clear in your mind it’s easier to memorize and play it.

With your picking hand play the scale using alternate picking (down-up-down-up-down-up, etc.).

Learn the scale patterns in all keys

The natural minor scales in these series are playing in the key of A, but you want to learn to play them in every key possible. This is how you become an accomplished guitar player.

Learn one scale pattern thoroughly and then move it up and down the neck to play it in different keys. Check out Part I to learn how to play the shapes in different keys around the neck.

Some scale patterns also become easier to play when you play them in a different key. Pattern #11 might be more comfortable to play when you change keys and move it higher up the neck, while pattern #12 might be easier on your hands when you move it down a few steps. Make it a routine to practice the scales anywhere on the neck.

Enjoy a wonderful practice!

A Natural Minor Scale – Pattern #10

A Natural Minor Scale – Pattern #11

A Natural Minor Scale – Pattern #12

Scale pattern assignments:

• Learn and memorize each scale shape pattern thoroughly using alternate picking.
• Learn all the notes on the G-string.
• Play the shapes in random keys. Speak out the name of the key you’re playing in.
• Re-practice the one-octave Natural Minor scale patterns of Part I, II and III and IV.
• Exercise: Practice the scale shapes from the complete series in the key of A, then F, C and finally G.
• Try to create some melody with the new learned scale patterns.
• Now try to play some melody over a Jam track A minor Rock Backing track

Good day my guitar friends, we’re in the middle of the One-Octave Natural Minor scales series and we continue with Part III.

In the previous lessons we practiced the scale patterns starting on the Low-E and A string and now we’re going to start with the root note on the D-string. We’re heading into the higher regions of the scale where most of the guitar soloing takes place, so the shapes are getting more relevant to your playing once you go up the strings.

If you just stepped into Part III of the One-Octave natural minor scale series you might first want to check out Part I and Part II.here are the reasons you want to learn this:

Summary One-Octave Natural Minor Scales

The one-octave natural minor scale makes it easy to recognize the shape, the structure, the notes and the intervals of the scale. Since it’s one octave they are a perfect start for beginners and will definitely create new insights for intermediate guitar players.

For anyone who’s into rock, blues and pop music the natural minor scale is a crucial scale, but you will also encounter the scale in many other styles as well.

Starting With The Root Note on The Fourth String

We are learning three natural minor scale shape/patterns with the first (root) note starting on the D-string (4th string).

Tip: Learn and memorize the notes on the D-string so you can instantly recognize the key of the scale when you want to move the scale up or down the fretboard.

Natural Minor Scale Fingering

You can see the left hand fingering (right hand players) for all the scale shape / patterns in the yellow neck diagrams below. The numbers in the dots indicate the fingers.

| 1 = index | 2 = middle finger | 3 = ring finger | 4 = pinky |

Also visualize the shape/form/figure of each scale pattern so it’s easier to memorize and learn all the different scale shapes.

Alternate picking

Play the scale shapes using alternative picking alternating down and up strokes. The first note you play is a downstroke, the second an upstroke, the third one a downstroke, the fourth one an upstroke and so on.

Practice in every Key

First learn each scale shape thoroughly, then learn the pattern in other keys as well (explained in part I).

Let’s roll!

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE – Shape / Pattern #7

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE – Shape / Pattern #8

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE – Shape / Pattern #9

One Octave Natural Minor Scale Assignments Part III

• Learn and memorize each scale shape thoroughly using alternate picking.
• Learn the notes of the D-string.
• Play the shapes in random keys. Speak out the name of the key.
• Re-practice the one-octave Natural Minor scale patterns of Part I and II.
• As an exercise practice the scale shapes from Part I, II and III first in the key of A, then F and finally C.
• Try to create some melody with the new scale patterns.

Easy does it!

To be continued soon.

Hi good people, today we’re going to continue our A Natural Minor (One-Octave) Scales Series with Part II. If you haven’t studied Part I yet, be sure to check it out: Powerful One-Octave Natural Minor Scales – Part I

Benefits of Learning One-Octave Natural Minor Scales.

The one-octave natural minor scales are important scales for Rock, Blues and Pop guitar music, soloing and understanding music theory. They are great for identifying the shape and structure of the scale, the notes within the scale and the intervals. They are also easier to play and comprehend for beginners. For intermediate players they expand the way of approaching scales and soloing.

Natural Minor Scales Starting from the Root Note on the A-string

In Part II we are learning three natural minor scale shape/patterns with the first (root) note starting on the A-string (5th string).

Tip: Learn and memorize the notes on the A-string so you can instantly recognize the key of the scale when you want to move the scale up or down the fretboard.

Natural Minor Scale Fingering

I’ve notated the left hand fingering (right hand players) for all the scale shape / patterns below.

The numbers in the yellow neck diagrams indicate the fingers. The neck diagrams also clearly show what the shape or pattern looks like. Visualize and memorize the shape of each pattern.

| 1 = index | 2 = middle finger |3 = ring finger | 4 = pinky |

How to read tablature? Check out How to Read Guitar Tabs – Tablature

Play the scale shapes using alternative picking alternating down and up strokes. The first note you play is a downstroke, the second an upstroke, the third one a downstroke, the fourth one an upstroke and so on.

Practice the scale in every Key

In the examples below we play the A natural minor scale, but the purpose is to learn these scale shapes/patterns in every possible key. Once you got these scale under your fingers learn the pattern in other keys as well. Move the entire scale up or down the fret to change keys easily. Need more help with that? A more detailed explanation on this in Part I

Now let’s get to it.

Enjoy!

NATURAL MINOR SCALE SHAPES – ROOT NOTE STARTING ON THE 5TH STRING

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE fingering / shape / pattern #4

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE fingering / shape / pattern #5

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE fingering / shape / pattern #6

Assignments Part II

• Learn to play each scale shape /pattern thoroughly before moving on the next one.
• Make sure you play every note clean and clear. Listen carefully to your notes.
• Visualize and memorize the shape of each scale pattern in your mind.
• Learn to play the scale shapes in different keys and be sure to know what key you’re playing in.
• Re-practice the one-octave major scale patterns of Part I.
• Play all 6 one-octave scale patterns of Part I and II.
• Learn to create melody with each scale shape. This is the whole point of learning scales. Don’t get overwhelmed, just take small easy and regular steps. That’s it.

Have a blast!

Hang on a second! In the upcoming post (coming soon) we’re going to learn one-octave natural minor scales starting on the D-string. We’re going up the strings onto the higher sounding notes! Make sure you nail these patterns before moving on. Practice your scales today!

Don’t forget to leave a comment below ;) I honestly appreciate it. ~Klaus Crow

Good day everyone, today I’ve put together all the lessons from the “One-Octave Major Scale Guitar Series” into one complete lesson. It doesn’t matter if you start from scratch or if you’ve already gone through all the lessons from the last couple of weeks, now is your chance to pick up your guitar, take this valuable guitar lesson of the one-octave major scale patterns and work on it every day. It will definitely make you a better guitar player.

Guitar students usually first learn two-octave scales, but one-octave scales are the building bricks of those two-octave scales and have their own effective purpose that will serve your playing in many ways.

Why You Want to Learn One Octave Scales

One of the reasons you want to learn one-octave scales is because of their simplicity. By using only one octave it’s easier to see the shape and structure of the scale, the notes within the scale, and the intervals. The scale is more user-friendly, easier to play, memorize and apply around the fretboard.

There’s another great benefit to learning one-octave scales. Once you got them under your fingers it’s only a matter of connecting the dots to lay out two octave and three-octave scales, since they are made up of one-octave scales.

Note: In this lesson you will learn one-octave major scale shapes across the entire guitar neck that will help you understand and own the entire major scale landscape.

Starting from the Root Note

We’re learning the three major scale shape/patterns with the first (root) note starting on the Low E-string (6th string), A-string (5th string), D-string (4th string) and the G-string (3rd string). For each string starting point we have three different patterns, which are all one and the same scale with the same notes, all starting from the same root note.

Tip: Learn and memorize the notes for each string so you know the notes and recognize the key of the scale when you move the scale up or down the fretboard. This will benefit your playing tremendeously now and in the long run.

Major Scale Fingering

For the major scale shapes / patterns in the tablature below I’ve notated the left hand fingering (for right handed players). The numbers next to the notes on the note staff right above the tablature indicate the left hand fingers:

1 = index
2 = middle finger
3 = ring finger
4 = pinky

The numbers in the yellow neck diagrams also indicate the fingers. The neck diagrams also clearly show what the shape or pattern looks like. Learn to visualize and memorize the shape of each pattern, so you learn to think in shapes rather than fret numbers.

Alternative Picking Technique

Make sure you play the scale shapes using alternative picking. Hold the pick between your thumb and index finger with the pointed end facing toward the strings. Strictly use alternating down and up strokes. The first note you play is a downstroke, the second an upstroke, the third one a downstroke, the fourth one an upstroke and so on.

Key of the Scale

In the examples below we play the G major scale, but it’s the goal to learn these scale shapes/patterns in every key, so you become an accomplished guitar player.

Once you got the scale under your fingers learn the pattern in different keys. Just move the entire scale up or down the fret to change keys. If you need some extra explanation on how to move a pattern up or down the fretboard you can find some examples for each pattern in Part I

Now let’s practice. Take it one scale at a time. Be patient, focused and practice on a regular basis.

Go get ‘m!

MAJOR SCALE – ROOT NOTE ON 6TH STRING

G MAJOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #1

G MAJOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #2

G MAJOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #3

MAJOR SCALE – ROOT NOTE ON 5TH STRING

G MAJOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #4

G MAJOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #5

G MAJOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #6

MAJOR SCALE – ROOT NOTE ON 4TH STRING

G MAJOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #7

G MAJOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #8

G MAJOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #9

MAJOR SCALE – ROOT NOTE ON 3RD STRING

G MAJOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #10

G MAJOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #11

G MAJOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #12

Assignments:

• Practice each scale pattern thoroughly. One at a time.
• Vividly memorize the shape and the fingering of each scale pattern.
• Learn and memorize all the notes on the fretboard so you know the notes and the key of the scale.
• Memorize where the root notes are located.
• Learn and practice the one-octave major scale shapes in different keys.
• Play the scales along with a metronome gradually increasing the bpm.
• Try to create some melody and learn to solo with the scale patterns over a major scale chord progression. Experiment with playing notes from the scale in a different order, using rhythm and different note lengths, and pauses. Try to come up with your own melody or play an existing melody you already know. Play around with the notes. It’s such a valuable lesson. Dare to experiment!
• Bonus Intermediate/Advanced Assignment: Call out the note names while you’re playing the notes of the scale. G major scale: G – A – B – C – D – E – F# – G | C major scale = C – D – E – F – G – A – B – C | F major scale = F – G – A – Bb – C – D – E – F | Do this exercise in all 12 keys.

P.S.
Share your comments below. I really appreciate it and I’ll reply.

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Get out of a rut with Klaus Crow from Guitarhabits!
 Master The Art of Blues and Rock Soloing and
Improvisation around The Entire Fretboard. Check out:

Today you are ready to take on Part III of the effective one-octave major scales. We’re going to climb up the strings and into the higher regions of the scale. This will make the scale patterns more comfortable to play because it’s easier to reach and press the thinner strings.

Moreover, most guitar solos take place on the highest strings of the guitar, so these scale patterns are crucial to get under your soloing fingers.

Recap One Octave Major Scales

For those of you who just stepped into Part III of the One-Octave major scale series and missed out on Part I and Part II, here are the reasons you want to learn this:

The one-octave major scale makes it easy to recognize the shape, the structure, the notes and the intervals of the scale. One-octave scales are a perfect start for beginners and will create new insights for intermediate guitar players. The major scale is the mother of all scales and is the cornerstone of everything in guitar playing.

Starting from the Root Note on the D-string

Today we are learning three major scale shape/patterns with the first (root) note starting on the D-string (4th string).

Tip: Learn and memorize the notes on the D-string so you can instantly recognize the key of the scale when you want to move the scale up or down the fretboard.

Major Scale Fingering

For the major scale shapes I’ve notated the fret-hand fingering. The numbers next to the notes on the note staff right above the tablature indicate the fret-hand fingers:

| 1 = index | 2 = middle finger |3 = ring finger | 4 = pinky |

The numbers in the yellow neck diagrams also indicate the fret-hand fingering. The neck diagrams clearly show the shape and pattern of each scale. Learn to visualize and memorize the shape of each pattern.

Note: Apply alternative picking playing the scales shapes.

Practice in every Key

Once you got the G major scale shapes under your fingers learn the pattern in different keys or in every key following the cycle of fourths.

Let’s enjoy the lesson!

MAJOR SCALE SHAPES – ROOT NOTE STARTS FROM THE 4TH STRING

G MAJOR SCALE fingering / shape / pattern #7

G MAJOR SCALE fingering / shape / pattern #8

G MAJOR SCALE fingering / shape / pattern #9

One Octave Major Scale Assignments Part III

• Learn each scale shape thoroughly using alternate picking.
• Visualize and memorize the shape of each scale pattern in your mind.
• Learn the notes of the D-string.
• Play the shapes in different keys or through the cycle of fourths.
• Play the scales along with a metronome gradually increasing the bpm.
• Re-practice the one-octave major scale patterns of Part I and II.
• Try to create some melody with the new scale patterns.
• Bonus: Learn the scale inside out with extra exercises

Start making the small steps today that will accumulate and improve your playing now and overtime. It’s that easy and it works!

P.S. If you’re ready for the final lesson move on One-Octave Major Scale series – Part IV

Pssssst.
You can also follow me on Instagram. Don’t tell anyone.

Kindly share your awesome comments below. You rock! ~ Klaus Crow

Hi folks, today we’re going to dive into the one-octave major scales Part II. A nice, compact, clear and focused guitar lesson. If you haven’t learned the part I yet, you can check it out here: Effective One-Octave Major Scales and Why! Part I

Reminder Why You Want to Learn One-Octave Scales

Remember, you want to learn the one-octave major scale to easily identify the shape and structure of the scale, the notes within the scale, and the intervals. Moreover, the one-octave scale is easier to play for beginners and opens new doors, breeds new insights and improves the playing of intermediate guitar players.

Starting from the Root Note on the A-string

Today we are learning three major scale shape/patterns with the first (root) note starting on the A-string (5th string).

Tip: Learn and memorize the notes on the A-string so you can instantly recognize the key of the scale when you want to move the scale up or down the fretboard.

Major Scale Fingering

For the major scale examples and tablature below I’ve notated the fret-hand fingering. The numbers next to the notes on the note staff right above the tablature indicates the fret-hand fingers:

| 1 = index | 2 = middle finger |3 = ring finger | 4 = pinky |

How to read tablature? Check out How to Read Guitar Tabs – Tablature

The numbers in the yellow neck diagrams also indicate the fret-hand fingering. The neck diagrams also clearly show what the shape or pattern looks like. Learn to visualize and memorize the shape of each pattern.

Make sure you play the scale shapes using alternative picking. Strictly use alternating down and up strokes. The first note you play is a downstroke, the second an upstroke, the third one a downstroke, the fourth one an upstroke and so on.

Practice the scale in every Key

In the examples below we play the G major scale, but the goal is to learn these scale shapes/patterns in every key. Once you got the scale under your fingers learn the pattern in different keys. Just move the entire scale up or down the fret and change keys easily. Need more help with that? A more detailed explanation on this in Part I

Without further ado..

Enjoy!

MAJOR SCALE SHAPES – ROOT NOTE STARTS ON THE 5TH STRING

G MAJOR SCALE fingering / shape / pattern #4

G MAJOR SCALE fingering / shape / pattern #5

G MAJOR SCALE fingering / shape / pattern #6

Assignments Part II

• Learn to play each scale shape /pattern using alternate picking.
• Make sure you play every note clean and clear. Listen carefully.
• Visualize and memorize the shape of each scale pattern in your mind.
• Learn to play the scale shapes in different keys and be sure to know what key you’re playing in. Learn the notes of the string.
• Play the scales along with a metronome in different tempos.
• Re-practice the one-octave major scale patterns of Part I.
• Play all 6 one-octave scale patterns of Part I and II.
• Try to create some melody with each scale shape.

Have fun!

Wait up! In the Part III of the One-Octave Major Scales we’re going to learn one-octave scales starting on the D-string. We’re going up the strings! Make sure you nail these patterns before we move on. Start practicing your scales today.

Stick around!

P.S.
Share your comments below. I appreciate it and reply.

Get out of a rut! Master The Art of Blues and Rock Soloing and
Improvisation around The Entire Fretboard. Check out:

When you learn your first scales you usually start with two-octave scales, because they span all six strings of the guitar. You play from the Low E-string all the way up to the high e-string.

That’s great! It’s important you learn the two-octave scales inside out, but one-octave scales have their own effective purpose that will serve your playing in a different and complementary way.

Why You Want to Learn One Octave Scales

One of the reasons you want to learn one-octave scales is because of their simplicity. By using only one octave it’s easier to see the shape and structure of the scale, the notes within the scale, and the intervals. The scale is more user-friendly, easier to play, memorize and apply around the fretboard.

There’s another great benefit to learning one-octave scales. Once you got them under your fingers it’s only a matter of connecting the dots to lay out two octave and three-octave scales, since they are made up of one-octave scales.

Note: This post is part of a small series where you will learn one-octave major scale shapes across the entire guitar neck that will help you understand and own the major scale landscape.

Starting from the Root Note on the Low E-string

Today we’re learning three major scale shape/patterns with the first (root) note starting on the Low E-string (6th string).

Tip: For this lesson learn and memorize the notes on the low E-string so you know and recognize the key of the scale when you want to move the scale up or down the fretboard.

Major Scale Fingering

For the major scale examples and tablature below I’ve notated the left hand fingering (for right handed players). The numbers next to the notes on the note staff right above the tablature indicates the left hand fingers:

1 = index
2 = middle finger
3 = ring finger
4 = pinky

The numbers in the yellow neck diagrams also indicate the fingers. The neck diagrams also clearly show what the shape or pattern looks like. Learn to visualize and memorize the shape of each pattern.

Alternative Picking

Make sure you play the scale shapes using alternative picking. Hold the pick between your thumb and index finger with the pointed end facing toward the strings. Strictly use alternating down and up strokes. The first note you play is a downstroke, the second an upstroke, the third one a downstroke, the fourth one an upstroke and so on.

Key of the Scale

In the examples below we play the G major scale, but it’s the goal to learn these scale shapes/patterns in every key.

Now let’s get to practice!

MAJOR SCALE SHAPES – ROOT NOTE STARTS FROM THE 6TH STRING

G MAJOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #1

First learn and memorize major scale pattern #1. Once you got the scale under your fingers learn the pattern in different keys. Move up the entire scale shape 2 frets higher (that means every note of the scale) and play it again. Your first (root) note should now be starting on the 5th fret Low E-string. You are now playing an A major scale. Now play the scale starting with the first note on the 8th fret. You’re playing a C major scale. Learn the skill of playing your scale everywhere on the neck.

G MAJOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #2

Major scale pattern #2 needs a little bit of a stretch which might seem challenging in the beginning, but after some practice you will get the hang of it. This one is really good for cultivating dexterity, and playing 3-notes-per string licks. Again, once you got it under your fingers learn to play this pattern in different keys. When you play this scale pattern higher up the neck it gets the easier, because the spaces between the frets get smaller.

G MAJOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #3

Pattern #3 seems a little bit far up the neck, but the point is to learn and memorize the scale shape/pattern and then play it in different keys around the neck. Example: Play this scale moving down 10 frets, starting with the first (root) note on the 5th fret Low E-string you are playing an A major scale. Now play it on the 8th fret, the 10th fret, 7th fret and 10th fret. This is a great exercise to get comfortable with the entire fretboard and learning to play in different keys and feel free in your playing.

Assignments:

• Learn to play each scale shape /pattern ascending and descending using alternate picking.
• Make sure each notes sound clean and clear.
• Learn to play the scale shapes in different keys and be sure to know what key you’re playing in.
• Play the scale along with a metronome in different tempos.
• Try to create some melody with each scale shape. Experiment with playing notes from the scale in a different order, use rhythm and different note lengths, and pauses. Try to come up with your own melody or play an existing melody you already know. Play around with the notes. It’s such a valuable lesson. Dare to experiment!

Have fun!

In the next post we’re going to learn one-octave scales starting on the A-string. We’re going to master the entire fingerboard. If you got this lesson under your belt check out: Effective One-Octave Major Scales and Why! Part II