Major Scale On Guitar
The major scale is the foundation for most Western music. Specifically, it is a diatonic scale made up of seven notes. You can play a major scale by using its unique step pattern of whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half. A whole step is played by starting on a fret, skipping over one fret and playing the next going either up or down. A half step is played by starting on a fret and playing the next fret up or down. Start on any fret and try using the step pattern on one string to play a major scale. The major scale has an upbeat, happy sound characteristic as opposed to the minor scale which sounds more dark and sad.
Major Scale Applications
Many guitar players, especially beginners, wonder what is the importance of learning, knowing, and playing the major scale. There are several reasons knowing and being very familiar with the major scale is important.
First, it is the basis for music theory. The major scale is used to build chords and figure out harmony within a key. We can use the major scale to determine what chords will fit harmonically within a certain key. This is important for writing music and help figuring out how to play our favorite tunes by ear. For example, in the key of C we have these 7 notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. With a little knowledge of chord building and theory I can determine that the basic chords in the key of C are C major, D minor, E minor, F major, G, major, A minor, and B diminished. Now I can take those chords and create progressions knowing that these chords fit together harmonically.
Second, major scales are good for practicing technique. We need some kind of pattern to practice our fingering, picking, speed, etc. Why not use scale patterns? We kill 2 birds with one stone. We practice our technique and become familiar with the scale itself. We can learn the major scale in the same key in several locations on the neck.
Third, major scales are useful for improvisation. One of the tools we use to solo over chord progressions is scales. The major scale can be used to solo over major chords and major chord progression. Knowing the major scale all up and down the neck will allow you to form many lick to use in your improvisation. The pentatonic major scale (a 5 note version of the major scale) is extremely useful and easy to use when soloing over major chord progressions
Major Scale Guitar Fingering
Here is an example of one of the most common major scale guitar patterns. It is important to memorize and be able to play this in all 12 keys. It is also useful to know other patterns of the major scale. The red indicates the root note. This is a G major scale since it starts on the G note (3rd fret low E string).