Which Scales Should I Learn?
Beginning to learn scales and modes can be daunting. There are so many
scales out there. There are six scales discussed on these pages. Should
I learn all of them? If not, then which ones should I choose? This page is
designed to answer this question. To use this page, simply look for
your musical interest, and read that section. It's that easy.
This page is by no means exhaustive, but it should give you an idea of where to start.
Rock/Classic Rock
Rock music consists mostly of major keys and major chords. Therefore, rock
guitarists often make use of the major scale or the major pentatonic scale.
If a minor key is encountered, simply translate the major pentatonic scale into
the minor pentatonic scale.
Alternative
Alternative music consists almost entirely of major keys. Alternative
guitarists usually limit themselves to the major pentatonic scale, though the major
scale is also encountered.
Folk
Folk music consists almost entirely of major keys and major chords. Folk
musicians usually use the major scale.
Blues/Jazz
Blues music contains many minor chords and seventh chords;
in both major and minor keys. Blues guitarists therefore use
many minor scales and both the major and minor pentatonic scales.
The melodic minor scale is a good place to start.
I hope this helps! Remember, don't bother learning all the scales, just learn
the ones that pertain to your music. Good luck with the scales, and
I hope the pages help you/
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since 5-21-97
© 1997 Daniel E. Smith.