The Major Scale
The major scale is the most-used scale in popular music. It contains
seven different notes and therefore has seven different modes.
Their names and formations are found on the pages below. Once you
learn how to form each mode, you can put it all together so you know
where every note in the scale is on the fretboard. This is probably
the most powerful use of scales. Make sure to go through these
pages in order, because they build on each other. Good luck, remember to have fun, and
keep playin' ! If you have any questions,
e-mail me!
My Scale Notation
how to read all my scale charts
Which Scales Should I Learn?
this page outlines the important scales for a few
main genres of music
Half and Whole Steps
information necessary for learning scales
What Are Modes?
a definition of modes for guitarists
Playing Scales: Fretting and Picking
get the most out of your hands while playing scales
Information on Keys
how do you know what key a song is in?
check out this page for help
Which Scales Can I Play?
you have a chord progression in G, but what scales and what
modes can you play over it?
Learning Scales
scales don't have to be boring; here are some suggestions
so you learn them, not learn to hate them
Translating Scales and Modes Into Any Key
I showed you the modes in G or Em, so learn how to
play them in ANY key
The Major Scale
pattern of whole and half steps
The Ionian Mode
the basic scale: the first mode
The Dorian Mode
the second mode
The Phrygian Mode
the third mode
The Lydian Mode
the fourth mode
The Mixolydian Mode
the fifth mode
The Aeolian Mode
the sixth mode; also the relative minor scale
The Locrian Mode
the seventh mode
The Major Key
putting it all together
Major Scale RealAudio Chord Progressions
practice soloing with the major scale using these RA files
Back to Dansm's Guitar Scale Lessons
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since 5-21-97
© 1997 Daniel E. Smith.