Using the C major scale as the foundation for all scales. Now learn how to alter the C major scale to create the C Harmonic Major Scale. The diagram below is for guitar but the note relationship or distances from note to note is same for all instruments.
Memorize and play the C Harmonic Major Scale. Just flat the A or sixth scale degree.
ALL scales repeat the same pattern up and down in tone. C major scale: C, D, E, F, G, A, B and C. Numbers are given to correspond to the major scale degrees or positions.
C Major Scale: C=1/Root, D=2nd, E=3rd, F=4th, G=5th, A=6th, B=7th, C=8th/octave.
C Harmonic Major Scale: C=1/Root, D=2nd, E=3rd, F=4th, G=5th, Ab=b6th, B=7th, C=8th/octave.
There is only one note difference from the C Major Scale to the C Harmonic Major Scale. The sixth (6th) is flat or one half step (fret) lower in tone.
C major= C, D, E, F, G, A, B and C
C Harmonic Major= C, D, E, F, G, Ab, B and C
So now play the C major scale except on the sixth scale degree make it flat.
The note to note intervals are the same for all keys. This applies to any string, octave, position or instrument.
Memorize the note formula C, D, E, F, G, Ab, B and C. Using the note name chart below – play the C Harmonic Major scale starting from low thick E string 1st fret 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:
open 1 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 15, 17 19, 21, 24
Now play and say out loud the C Harmonic Minor scale note by note up and back each string.
Repeat this process for all strings.
E, F, G, Ab, B, C, D, E, – E, D, C, B, Ab, G, F, E
this is C Harmonic Major Scale starting on open low thick E string.
B, C, D, E, F, G, Ab, B – B, Ab, G, F, E, D, C, B,
this is C Harmonic Major Scale starting on 2nd fret B to B 14th fret octave.
D, E, F, G, Ab, B, C, D – D, C, B, Ab, G, F, E, D
this is C Harmonic Major scale starting on open D to D 12th fret octave.
G, Ab, B, C, D, E, F, G – G, F, E, D, C, B, Ab, G
this is C Harmonic Major Scale starting on open G to G 12th fret octave.
B, C, D, E, F, G, Ab, B – B, Ab, G, F, E, D, C, B
this is C Harmonic Major Scale starting on open B to B 12th fret octave.
E, F, G, Ab, B, C, D, E – E, D, C, B, Ab, G, F, E
this is C Harmonic Major scale starting on 1st fret high thin E string.
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