The C Major Scale is the foundation for all scales.
C is the starting or root note (key).
The diagram below is the C Major Scale on the guitar. The note names and distance from note to note is exactly the same for all instruments.
C Major Scale: C, D, E, F, G, A, B and C
C Major Scale: C=1/Root, D=2nd, E=3rd, F=4th, G=5th, A=6th, B=7th, C=8th/octave.
The note to note intervals are the same. This applies to any string, octave, position, instrument or starting key.
Memorize the note formula C, D, E, F, G, A, B and C. Using the note name chart below – play the C major scale starting from open low thick E string play each note up neck, then back down neck. Repeat this same process for each string. Remember to say note names out loud as you play each note up and then down in tone. Repeat this process for all 6 strings: Low E, then A, D, G, B and thin E string. The underlined fret number indicates dot positions: 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 15, 17 19, 21, 24
open 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
E F B C E F B C
Notice there is only two notes that have half steps E, F and B, C. (Elvis Fans Buy Cars)
Half step = one fret distance (one key). Whole step = two fret distance (two keys).
Now play and say out loud the C major scale for each note up and back string. Repeat the C note to memorize root note positions.
E, F, G, A, B, C, D, E – E, D, C, B, A, G, F, E
this is C major Scale starting on the low thick E string E to E octave.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A – A, G, F, E, D, C, B, A
this is C Major Scale starting on A to A octave.
D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D – D, C, B, A, G, F, E, D
this is C Major Scale starting on D to D octave.
G, A, B, C, D, E, F, G – G, F, E, D, C, B, A, G
this is C Major Scale starting on G to G octave.
B, C, D, E, F, G, A, B – B, A, G, F, E, D, C, B
this is C Major Scale starting on B to B octave.
E, F, G, A, B, C, D, E – E, D, C, B, A, G, F, E
this is C Major Scale starting on high thin E string E to E octave.
The note to note intervals are the same. This applies to any string, octave, position, instrument or Key. Repeat this same process for bass, piano and any other instrument.
All materials for personal use only.
Vince Lauria Sun and Earth Music
Copyright © 2012