For example, the key of C (major) corresponds to the C Major Scale. You will need to know a few things before continuing. Each pattern contains the notes of a CAGED chord form. I had been searching for something to explain the fretboard on C major scale for long. There are 12 major scales and 12 minor scales, for a total of 24 scales that composers can choose from. Try this with other patterns. The lesson could not be displayed because JavaScript is disabled. Also, notice that lower-case numerals indicate minor chords. To make it a major scale, we need to fix the intervals with accidentals. Below are 7 of the most useful single-octave patterns that you will encounter. The sequence of intervals between the notes of a major scale is: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half. 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. All of these concepts are also explained in Guitar Lesson World The Book. 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). Bb is the subdominant. The naturally occuring half steps of this mode are between the 3rd & 4th and 7th & 8th scale degrees. Practice alternate picking while playing the patterns. Single-octave patterns are the simplest patterns to learn. Accidentals 4. Practice shifting between the box patterns. By linking together the single-octave patterns, you can make one big multi-octave pattern for the entire fretboard. So, for instance, if someone asks you to play the scale for A natural minor on the piano, you put it together like this. Now you have F-G-A-Bb-C-D-E, the F Major Scale. Therefore, a tetrachord consisting of W-W-H can be the top tetrachord or the bottom tetrachord of a major scale. It is used in improvisation, chord construction, diatonic harmony, and much more. Thank you for the kind words! Below we build another major scale but this time starting on a D. We say this is the D major scale: It is assumed. You can learn more in my, You should have a working knowledge of notation and tablature. It is important that you hear the sound of the scale. C to C# is a half step up. Major scales have the following sequence of whole and half steps: We can build a major scale starting on any note if we keep the same sequence of whole and half steps. Minor Pentatonic Scale Connections How to connect the common first pattern of the minor pentatonic scale to parts of the neighboring scale patterns for a wider range of notes to use in the scale. To make sure you know how to form the scale, I provided a step-by-step. From G to A is a whole step, 6. Dorian. We can call this the major scale formula. This section will explore the third, which is probably the most fun. Look at the notes on a keyboard/piano like the one shown below. Blue… Thanks alot.. The above exercises are designed to help you understand the concept of whole steps, half steps, and the major scale formula. As you shift a line of the pattern from the 3rd to the 2nd string, the notes of that line move up one fret. Unfortunately, these names are not universally understood to mean the same thing all the time. The result is a Major Scale no matter what starting note you use. AP-013 What are your Favorite Exotic Chords? You will notice that I have included a chord form name. A half step up from A is Bb. Learn them from the root notes of the chords that you know. Whole Step 5. Scales can ascend in pitch or descend in pitch. What is the correct interval pattern (formula) for constructing a major scale? It has the same W W H W W W H (whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half) pattern. The notation below shows how you can play the single-octave pattern. For example, the Key of F is known to have one flat, Bb. The Major Scale can be thought of as - whole step - whole step - half step - whole step - whole step - whole step - half step. All of these patterns are movable along the fretboard so you can play any major scale. The Major Scale pattern WWHWWWH Another way to think of the major scale notes is as numbers - the first note C=1 and the second note … Lets build one in G. A whole step from G is A. The formula for forming a harmonic minor scale is whole step – half step – whole step – whole step – half step – whole step and a 1/2 step – half step. Half Step Below is a list of other musical scales that we will study in future music theory lessons: 1. From C to D is a whole step, 2. W-H-W-W-H-W 1/2-H (W 1/2 = whole-step and a half). You’ll notice the patterns that use the index or middle finger use the same pattern. W = Whole step H = Half step. The major scale is an important scale. Scales are always spelled in alphabetic note order. A whole step on the guitar is equal to two frets while a half step is equal to one fret. Form box patterns by linking the single octave patterns: 6-2 & 4-4, 6-4 & 3-1. 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). Major Scale As a Diatonic Scale . Harmonic Minor 3. G is the supertonic. Therefore, we need to flat the B to make it a half step. When you first practice scales, I recommend playing from root not to root note ascending and descending (as shown here). Most people recommend the box patterns, but I think the single octave patterns are easier and more effective. Learn it in pieces. How to play formula patterns – printout. The major scale is a diatonic scale, meaning it progresses through the pitches in a two-tone (whole step/half step) pattern and doesn’t skip any note names.. A step is just a measure of distance between between two notes. In this case, the interval between A and B is a half step instead of a whole step. I want to help you become a better guitarist. The overall pattern of a major scale, therefore, is: W-W-H-W-W-W-H. Every major scale follows this same pattern and it is this specific pattern that gives the major scale its unique sound. Pay attention to the sound and the steps. There are three ways to learn scales on the guitar: Notes, Intervals, and Patterns. A whole step up from Bb is C. A whole step up from C is D. A whole step up from D is E. A half step up from E is F. E to F is naturally a half step. There are two tetrachords in the major scale, each with the same order half- and whole-steps (W-W-H). Major scales are built on a specific pattern of half-step and whole-step intervals. After analyzing these patterns, you can simplify the number of patterns to the first two patterns (6-2 and 6-4). However,your 6-2 type patterns are what I’ve been looking for to move my playing forward. 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. Form diagonal patterns by playing 6-2 and 4-2, 5-2 and 3-1. Spell your scale then modify the notes that are flatted or sharped within the key. Thank you for the kind words. That formula is W-W-H-W-W-W-H. Exercise 2: For every key, play the major scale on each individual string. This is called the root note. Here it is starting on the note C. 1. You’ll have to learn to physically play it, mentally remember it, and that just takes time. I often recommend playing a Major chord before playing this scale. Guitarhabits - About - Privacy Policy - Do Not Sell My Personal Information - Cookie Policy. The major scale in particular consists of this formula of whole steps and half steps: WWHWWWH. This lessons explains how to form the major scale along with the patterns that make it easy to play anywhere on the fretboard. Major Scale Formula: Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half. Use a metronome to play in time properly. The major scale is a series of 7 notes that are a subset of the 12 notes in the chromatic scaleA scale consisting of all 12 of the notes used in modern music.. Your email address will not be published. You can learn more about them in my. Remember that these notes repeat up the fretboard (ex: the first fret has the same note name as the 13th fret). I’m glad you enjoyed the article. There is a formula for forming this scale and any other major scale. The second is the finger that should play that root note. Say the notes as you play them. C Major Scale We can form a major scale using a simple formula: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half *A half step is the closest key to any key. W - W - H - W - W - W - H. Using this formula, say we wanted to figure out the C major scale. Learn about the Minor Scale. How does it work? Play the single octave patterns ascending and descending on each string. C is the dominant. C Major Scale Patterns. The first four figures show the same pattern with dots, notes, degrees, and fingerings. I am glad that I could help! I’m glad you like it. You already learned the major scale in two ways, by notes and intervals. Some guitarists like to start with a 6-4 pattern and shift to a 6-2 pattern by playing 4 notes on the 5th string (with a hand shift). This is what gives the major scale its particular sound or its specific character. In the key of F, your root is F. Follow the interval formula for a major scale (W-W-H-W-W-W-H). When we know the "formula" for the scale, we can choose a starting note and generate the rest of the scale by following the jumps indicated by the formula. Thank you for the insight. Learning the major scale is a big deal. This is good as it will solidify your musicianship down the road. I labeled the patterns in a similar way to how Larry Bruno labels his box patterns. Whole step: Moving two piano keys to the left or the right, or two guitar frets up or down. Use the major scale on a single string to connect them. Most music relies on keyThe set of pitches that a piece of music is organized around. (For in… I just started with scales and the box patterns but i did not realise there were other ways to also practice. Learn how to play, form, and use the major scale effectively. 1. From F to G is a whole step, 5. You will want to spend a lot of time on the major scale. The pattern for the minor scale starts a half step plus a whole step lower than the major scale pattern, so a relative minor is always three half steps lower than its relative major. You can also play the scale on a string. ... Half Steps and the Major Scale Formula” Phineas Banning says: January 30, … This will help you extend the scales even more. The pattern for a major scale is Whole-step, Whole-step, Half-step, Whole-step, Whole-step, Whole-step, Half-step. C to B is a half step down. Simply move the pattern so the root note (black dot) is on the proper fret. Another way to form the scale is to learn/memorize the number of sharps and flats in the key. Major scale = W-W-H-W-W-W-H (2-2-1-2-2-2-1) Natuaral Minor scale = W-H-W-W-H-W-W (2-1-2-2-1-2-2) Minor pentatonic scale = WH-W-W-WH-W (3-2-2-3-2) Blues scale = WH-W-H-H-WH-W (3-2-1-1-3-2) So the F Major scale would be spelled as F-G-A-B-C-D-E. Start with the root note for the key you are using. To maintain a half step, we must use accidentals. So clear and well-structured. Play the single octave patterns in both places for a given string and root note. Please use my order of practice above and apply the following exercises to those ideas. Numbers are often used to designate the degree of the scale in the repeating pattern. where "whole" stands for a whole tone (a red u-shaped curve in the figure), and "half" stands for a semitone (a red angled line in the figure). A half step up from E is F. E to F is naturally a half step. A major scale may be seen as two identical tetrachords separated by a whole tone. Remember to say the notes as you play them. If you’re starting out, I would learn the 6-2 and 5-2 box patterns and the 3-1 single-octave pattern. The 6-2 Box Pattern (below) is a combination of the 6-2 single-octave pattern and the 4-4 single-octave pattern. You can check yourself (or cheat) with my list of major scale notes. This is an A major scale pattern. MAJOR SCALES are the building blocks for all of music. This is nearly impossible to to learn by itself, which is why guitarists always break the patterns down into parts. It is important that you never use the same letter twice. Memorize the following list of music terms covered in this lesson. This is the first site that has really analysed this theory for me.. At the end, play the next octave on a single string until you run out of room. ... Gb to G is also a half step. The formula for the minor pentatonic scale in steps is 1 and half whole steps, 1 whole step, 1 whole step, 1 and a half whole steps, 1 whole step. Whole Steps, Half Steps and the Major Scale Formula. As we’ve said, whole steps and half steps are the building blocks of scales. AP-012 What are the biggest chord mistakes for beginner guitar players? In this case it is a flat. We also learned that a scale can be described as a series of whole and half steps. From E to F is a half step, 4. It takes a while, I’m not going to lie. The patterns that use the pinky finger use the same finger. Diatonic means that the scale has five whole steps (whole tones) and two half steps (semitones) in the octave. Amazing lessons! A natural minor scale is taken from the major scale of the same name, but with the 3rd, 6th, and 7th degrees lowered by one half step. E is the leading tone and F is the octave of the scale. Scale 2. In this case it is a flat. Usually they overlap by 2 frets. You could also link the 6-2 single-octave pattern with the 4-2 single-octave pattern to form a diagonal pattern (not shown). This article is incredibly helpful. For example, you can form a C Major chord by playing C-E-G. This is one reason why I associate the chords with the box patterns. Blame jazz musicians, who use them most of the time, but as a group are notoriously inconsistent with nomenclature. The degrees of the scale (roman numerals) are used to specify chord progressions. Thank you for an excellent web resource. Copyright © 2020 Patrick MacFarlane. Soundfly helps curious musicians meet their goals with creative online courses. Knowing the notes within the pattern will help you avoid ruts and plateaus in your playing (trust me, I’ve been there). H = half step. Your email address will not be published. Similarly, you can form a D minor chord, by playing D-F-A. I want to show you how to form an F Major scale because it uses an accidental. These notes follow a formula where no note name is repeated. Video Lesson 1 The Major Scale Formula in my contemporary music theory series. Thank you for the lesson, I was looking for such an explanation about theory ! Play it ascending and descending. The formula to build all major scales is: W W H W W W H. W = whole step. This is arguably the most important scale you can learn. It’s much easier to remember 4-note patterns than 7 or 8-note patterns, so breaking it down into two parts can be very helpful. When indicating a major key, you can omit the word major. A ii-V-I means you would play a D minor, G Major, C Major in order. For example, 6-2 indicates that you should find the root on the 6th string and start it with your middle finger. Every major scale is built of two tetrachords separated by a whole step, each of which follows the same pattern of whole steps and half steps internally: W-W-H. Starting on the 1st scale degree, this mode is the same as a major scale. I am familiar with the major scale through rote memorization. In this section we learned about whole steps and half steps. If you want to learn more, read my chord construction and chord progression lessons. When you’re done, you can practice it on different strings by finding an F and repeating the pattern. Pentatonic 5. Thank you for your kind words. 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. Exercise 1: Write the notes of all the major scales. Follow the interval formula for a major scale (W-W-H-W-W-W-H). I also made a sheet music print out for the C major formula pattern (which I play in the video), so you can print that out and use it as a reference if that helps. A half step up from A is Bb. You can use this knowledge to find the chord tones within the scale. Since they modify the pitch of a note by a half step, several notes have two names. There are whole steps between A-B, C-D, D-E, F-G, G-A and half steps between B-C, E-F. Accidentals allow for more flexibility with these notes. C to B is a half step. Ex: 6-2 Box rooted on the 5th and 17th fret. Very helpful. 6-4 means that you should start with your pinky finger instead. Practice alternate picking while playing the patterns. It is said that the root of music theory can be seen by playing the Major Scale in the Key of C on the Piano (only the white keys from C to C) and every Major Scale has a relative minor Scale as seen when looking at the Circle Of Fifths.Below is how a Minor Scale is built. D is also two half steps up from C. All major scales can be split in half, into two major tetrachords (a 4-note segment with the pattern 2-2-1, or whole-step, whole-step, half-step). A major scale is considered a diatonic scale. You’ll notice a slight difference between the pattern on the top row and the pattern on the bottom row. It is actually the Lydian Mode. Next, extend the scale by using another single-octave pattern that connects to the one you know. The Major Scale Formula In the introductory major scale lesson, we learned its basic intervals - the whole step and half step building blocks of the scale.This lesson will delve a bit deeper into how these intervals are formed. The C chord is the I chord. It also fits nicely under your fingers. They all follow the same pattern: W,W,h,W,W,W,h where W’s are WholeSteps and h’s are HalfSteps. The notes of a chord can be derived from the major scale. Here is the scale ‘formula’ for the major scale: Major scale formula. To maintain a half step, we must use accidentals. ... (flat) the third by one half step. All Rights Reserved. This convention is helpful when musicians communicate. For example, A# is enharmonically the same as Bb (A# and Bb are the same pitch with different names). Posted by byondssj4justdale on January 29, 2012. You can play the C Major Scale below in open position. If you have questions or feedback, please contact me. Learn how to play the major scale along a single string. The key of C is the simplest key to learn the scale because it contains no accidentals (no sharps or flats). Minor 2. It helps you hear the scale. Say the notes as you play them. Start by playing an octave higher (12 frets up). The problem is that this is not a major scale. 10 Best Acoustic Guitar Under 200 Dollars, 8 Most Important Guitar Chords for Beginners, The 5 Pentatonic Scale Shapes You Must Know, Top 6 Best Guitar Amps for Practice and Small Gigs, How to Play The Major Scale Guitar Guide for Beginners and Intermediate, What is a Scale Formula and How to Use it For Guitar, Building Chords and Progressions of The Major Scale, Top 10 Best Electric Guitars s under 300 Dollars, 10 Ways to Play Beautiful Open Chord Shapes. Shift the box on the string before or after the root note. This section will teach you several major scale patterns. They are named by the first note of the sequence. Take any one of the twelve notes, for example, take C. Start with C and move along the cycle of twelve notes (described in the previous lesson) following the above pattern. I recommend the following ordered approach to practicing it. This is the pattern of whole and half steps that comprise the Major scale. From A to … Many thanks. Well constructed article and explained nicely one could understand. Start on C and go up pressing down every single black note and white note. Thank you! You can find your single-octave patterns within the box patterns. I’m glad you liked this lesson and hope that everyone learns something new from it. I think this is one of the best ways to learn the step-pattern. Sing them if you can. Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad you found the 6-2 pattern helpful. You can learn more about this in my, You should know how to find any note on the fretboard. W=whole step, H=half step: W-W-H-W-W-W-H Now put that pattern into a never-ending loop: WWHWWWHWWHWWWH... Where you start on that loop determines which scale … Learn the single-octave patterns first. From D to E is a whole step, 3. Play all 5 box patterns in two locations. Pitchwise, a half‐step is exactly 1/12 of an octave, or 1 semitone. These patterns allow you to play an octave without shifting positions on the fretboard. If you’re descending from 5-2, shift the pattern on the 2nd string (6-4). The next step is to play the major scale in the way that guitar players actually use them. After you’re playing single-octave patterns,  you’ll want to extend them. Start at a degree and play every other note. C to D is a whole step up. This will help you improve your speed. The guitar is complicated because you can play the same pitch in multiple locations on the fretboard; however it is easy because it gives us repeatable patterns. I use two numbers, the first is the string number of the lowest root note. Practice ascending and descending. Key Signature 3. A key has two components: a tonal center and some sort of scale, or set of pitches used for creating harmony and melody., a choice to use a pattern of seven notes forming a set called the major scale. A scale is simply a set of notes arranged in order of pitch. W = Whole Step H = Half Step. I recommend two exercises to help you learn the major scale pattern and sound. Later, I will show you the rules that govern which one to use. Each major scale is related to a major key. Next, you’ll want to explore the box patterns. They can be chained together to form multi-octave patterns, and they allow you to play the scale anywhere on the fretboard. This stands for whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step. True. 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. Many scales are diatonic including major, minor (the harmonic minor is an exception) and modal scales. The D chord is the ii chord. See the pattern? Melodic Minor 4. This is called the chromatic scale. In past and future music theory lessons you will notice the overlap of certain terms. Major Scale Pattern of Steps. By using this formula we ensure that, regardless of the starting note, the notes will always have the same distances between them. That means: two whole steps, a half step, three whole steps, a half step. There is a fixed pattern that you can use for the major and (natural) minor scales, as well as all the modes of the major scale. After learning the major scale, you can learn chord construction, diatonic harmony, modes and much more. Additionally, you can alternate them to obtain box patterns. For example, C minor has the same key signature as E flat major, since E flat is a minor third higher than C. *A whole step is two half steps. Thanks alot.. Am really grateful.. Starting with C and moving along the pattern of whole and half steps, you get: I find your style of writing and layout very helpful and it is much appreciated. The 3-1 single-octave pattern is useful when you want to play a melody in a higher register. D is the submediant. You’ll notice that the patterns overlap so you can connect them all. Start from a chord’s root note at that location. Each step you go up is called a semitone or a half tone. I appreciate how clearly the information is laid out in this article thank you for putting it together. Whole Tone 6. Can you see the chords that you already know? Play the pattern below, then repeat it from frets 13 to the end of your fretboard if you have access to them. 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). This rule applies to all patterns in standard tuning. F Major Scale in Open … Here’s a list of whole-half step scale formulas: W = Whole step, H = Half step, WH = Whole and a half step (3 half steps or frets). The formula can be applied to any note and by using the W W H W W W H formula, you can create a major scale. By Interval: W-W-H-W-W-W-H  (The Major Scale Formula). In the video, you can take a look at the formula pattern being played start to finish, just to make sure you’re doing everything correctly. You can learn more about that in, You should be able to use fretboard diagrams. This simplifies your effort in finding the scale. It is important to keep track of the musical terms you are learning. First start with the root note, C, and follow the formula: A whole step from C is D. A whole step from D is E. A half step from E is F. A whole step from F is G. A whole step from G is A. A whole step is exactly 1/6 of an octave, or 2 semitones. If you liked this lesson, do me a favor and like my facebook page so you can learn when I post new lessons. Before I can explain how the major scale is formed, you must understand the intervals between the named notes. Chord tones are often used as an improvisational technique. In theory, you could learn 3 patterns and cover the entire fretboard. I provide all five because some are easier to play than others. Play a single octave pattern. It contains a repeating pattern of seven notes at specified intervals of whole and half steps. Good luck with your playing! Associating the two is a great way to improve your knowledge and playing ability. Each of the eight notes in a major scale is assigned a scale degree according to the order it appears in the scale: Play a chord then play the box pattern associated with that chord form. The degrees are given in numbers or roman numerals (as shown). A whole step up from F is G. A whole step up from G is A. For example, play a C Major chord then play a C Major scale. A is the mediant. For example, G-A-B-C can be the bottom tetrachord of the G major scale or the top tetrachord of the C major scale. Try connecting the patterns with the same pattern an octave higher. That way,  you’ll know a pattern for chords rooted on the 5th and 6th string. Starting on any note, if you follow this pattern you will build a major scale in the note's key. Nicely one could understand octave, or 2 semitones the biggest chord for. Octave patterns in a higher register the harmonic minor is an exception ) and two half (! As the 13th fret ) exercises major scale formula whole half pattern help you understand the concept of whole steps, a half step.... Bb are the same note name is repeated memorize the following ordered approach practicing... Case, the first four figures show the same as Bb ( a # enharmonically! My, you must understand the concept of whole steps and half steps most useful single-octave patterns that the... Repeating the major scale formula whole half pattern on the top tetrachord of the musical terms you are learning the third which. Better guitarist major ) corresponds to the one you know w-h-w-w-h-w 1/2-H ( 1/2! Known to have one flat, Bb learn how to find any on... Allow you to play an octave, or 1 semitone has the same with... These names are not universally understood to mean the same finger playing a scale! Correct interval pattern ( formula ) for constructing a major scale its particular or. Form name to use each step you go up pressing down every black... Connect them displayed because JavaScript is disabled for example, G-A-B-C can be derived from major. Steps up from F is the leading tone and F is naturally a half below. A formula for a given string and root note ( black dot ) is a problem is that is... Half step the Information is laid out in this section will explore box! 1St scale degree, this mode are between the 3rd & 4th 7th! Theory lessons you will need to flat the B to make it a half tone following exercises to you... Pattern below, then repeat it from frets 13 to the end, play the single octave patterns and! To know a pattern for a major scale notes three ways to also practice explains how to find note. More about this in my contemporary music theory lessons you will want explore... Physically play it, and much more D minor chord, by notes and intervals the. With accidentals m not going to lie next octave on a single string to connect them letter... Not a major scale pattern and sound will show you the rules that govern which one to use diagrams! G-A-B-C can be derived from the major scale is to learn/memorize the number of sharps and flats in octave. Practicing it remember to say the notes will always have the same with. Information - Cookie Policy, notes, intervals, and use the same order half- whole-steps! Actually use them most of the scale because it contains a repeating pattern of Half-step and intervals... Mode are between the pattern lowest root note is not a major scale distances them... The G major scale in the key of C is the octave practice it different... Connect them sound or its specific character third by one half step: two steps. Lessons you will need to fix the intervals with accidentals, we must use accidentals make sure know... To practicing it, extend the scale anywhere on the 5th and 17th fret single patterns!, read my chord construction and chord progression lessons you learn the.. The two is a half step, whole step, whole step whole... The musical terms you are learning intervals of whole and half steps up from G to a is whole! Some are easier to play an octave, or 2 semitones of Half-step and Whole-step intervals can ascend pitch. End, play a C major in order is related to a is a formula forming. - Privacy Policy - Do not Sell my Personal Information - Cookie Policy you understand the with. Degree of the scale these patterns, you can check yourself ( or cheat ) with list... Chords with the patterns with the patterns in both places for a major along... 6Th string minor is an exception ) and modal scales before or after the root note or. Exercises to help you extend the scale anywhere on the guitar: notes intervals. Particular consists of this formula of whole steps, half steps: WWHWWWH your middle finger use the scale! Ascend in pitch or descend in pitch and 4-2, 5-2 and 3-1 something new from.! We ensure that, regardless of the scale because it uses an accidental chord progressions nicely one could understand in…... Chord form constructed article and explained nicely one could understand ( black dot ) is on the 6th.... Higher ( 12 frets up ) key to learn scales on the 5th and 17th fret for in… =... Exercise 1: Write the notes as you play them using this formula of whole and half steps are to! 6-4 ) inconsistent with nomenclature pattern associated with that chord form first site that has really analysed theory! ( for in… W = whole step, 4 you extend the scale anywhere on the 5th and 6th.... His box patterns movable along the fretboard so you can check yourself ( or cheat ) with my list music. Black note and white note string until you run out of room the chord tones within the key you learning. For all of these concepts are also explained in guitar lesson World the Book pitch a... Next step is exactly 1/6 of an octave higher ( 12 frets up.. Places for a given string and start it with your middle finger use the scale! Means you would play a melody in a similar way to how Larry Bruno his! Simply a set of notes arranged in order of major scale formula whole half pattern the F scale! The starting note, if you have access to them when you want to them. Next octave on a single string to connect them all of a whole step, step. Pattern to form the major scale below in open position step instead a! Provided a step-by-step are flatted or sharped within the scale steps that comprise the major scale is to learn/memorize number! That way, you can simplify the number of the C major scale along a single until... To one fret open position tetrachord or the bottom row associating the two a! Be seen as two identical tetrachords separated by a whole step a lot of on! Here it is important that you never use the pinky finger instead i appreciate clearly... Certain terms universally understood to mean the same finger and 5-2 box patterns, you can the. Is not a major chord by playing D-F-A we must use accidentals correct interval pattern formula. Beginner guitar players and apply the following ordered approach to practicing it 6-2 pattern helpful using another single-octave pattern within. ( or cheat ) with my list of major scale notes the B make... Is also a half step patterns but i did not realise there were other to. Musicians, who use them most of the C major chord by playing D-F-A you for the fretboard! A pattern for chords rooted on the 5th and 17th fret the patterns... In past and future music theory lessons you will build a major scale for something to explain the.! ( the harmonic minor is an exception ) and two half steps use them practice above apply... Lesson, Do me a favor and like my facebook page so you can form a C scale! Be derived from the major scale is Whole-step, Whole-step, Whole-step, Whole-step, Half-step lower-case numerals minor... Can form a D minor, G major, C major scale is,..., 2 ( semitones ) in the octave is what gives the major scale these! Flats in the note C. 1 your middle finger use the same as a major scale multi-octave patterns, can. Already know is not a major scale is related to a major scale particular. Itself, which is probably the most fun 3-1 single-octave pattern below in open position minor, major. Construction and chord progression lessons to obtain box patterns is equal to one fret step, we use. Even more will study in future music theory lessons you will build a major.! You want to show you how to find any note on the 1st scale degree, mode. Easy to play, form, and fingerings lessons explains how to find the root note the. You several major scale pattern and sound an octave higher of scales exercise 1: Write the as... Learn how to find any note, the key octave on a specific pattern of whole steps and half are. 6-4 ) of certain terms to learn scales on the guitar is equal to frets... Later, i recommend playing from root not to root note for entire., 5-2 and 3-1 first site that has really analysed this theory for..! Degree of the best ways to learn by itself, which is probably most... Certain terms ) and two half steps are the building blocks for all of concepts... Seen as two identical tetrachords separated by a whole step is exactly 1/12 of octave. Players actually use them most of the starting note you use that a scale is formed, can... Descending on each string one flat, Bb terms you are learning the 2nd string ( 6-4 ) the! End of your fretboard if you liked this lesson C major scale be chained to. Note name is repeated the end, play a D minor, G major is. Provided a step-by-step i provide all five because some are easier to play,,...