major scales

Whats a major scale? A major scale is a group of 7 notes that follow each other, usually ending with an 8th note an octave above the first. All major scales follow a set pattern of tones and semi-tones. Each fret on the neck of the guitar represents a semi-tone, so to find the major scale of any note follow this pattern: tone, tone, semi-tone, tone, tone, tone, semi-tone. (Note: the pattern is accending).

Lets check out an example of the C-Major scale below:


     C Major Scale - One Octave
e|------------------------------------------|
B|------------------------------------------|
G|-------------------2--4--5----------------|
D|----------2--3--5-------------------------|
A|----3--5----------------------------------|
E|------------------------------------------|

The major scale is the foundation for all the other types of scales, also known as modes. These different modes are created by changing some notes to flats or sharps. Examples of different modes are dorian, phrygian and lydian, which I will cover in another lesson.

HINT: Major scales are usually used over major, major 7th and power chords.