Learning guitar scales and modes can be very boring making it harder to concentrate and remember, like all those dates in history class I could never remember.
Major Scale First
I think learning the major scale first is the way to go.
Let’s learn the C scale first, an easy one no sharps or flats
If you learn the C major scale you will have also learned the following;
Major Pentatonic – C D E G A C
Minor Pentatonic – A C D E G A
Ionian Mode -The Major Scale – C D E F G A B C
Dorian Mode – D E F G A B C D
Phrygian Mode – E F G A B C D E
Lydian Mode – F G A B C D E F
Mixolydian Mode – G A B C D E F G
Aeolian Mode – Natural/Relative Minor Scale – A B C D E F G A
Locrian Mode – B C D E F G A B
Two More Scales
If you add the note between the D and E of the major pentatonic you will have the major blues scale
Also if you add the note between the D and E of the minor pentatonic scale you will have the minor blues scale
Same Scales
The major and minor pentatonic scales are the same notes
What makes them different is where you start or the root note
The C pentatonic sounds better if played over the C chord form.
The root note is more powerful than the 6th or A note making your solo want to return to the root tone.
Learning Guitar Scales – The Modes
The same is true of all the modes above.
They are the same notes as the C scale but they start on a different note.
These can be used over the chords in the C scale.
For example’
Ionian Mode – use over I or any C chord except for dominants
Dorian Mode – Use over ii chord D minor chords
Phrygian Mode – Use on Em chords – limited because of the F note
Lydian Mode – Use over IV chord or any F except dominant
Mixolydian Mode – Use over V chord or any G dominant
Aeolian Mode – Use over vi chord or any A minor Chord
Locrian Mode – Use over vii or Bm7♭5 chord – limited except for Jazz Players
The hardest part of learning guitar scales is where to start? How many times do I have to play the same scale? Which scales to learn first?
Getting organized is the key to it all
I found a software program that helps you learn any of the major scales, modes and other scales.
It’s amazing how a computer and some software can make learning these scales so much easier than when I learned them. Some I didn’t learn till years later because it was such a pain and if you didn’t use them a lot you would forget them.
If you are willing to take a little time each day and use it you will learn all the scales everywhere on the fretboard
Try it for Free
You can try a free trial version here Guitar Scales Method Trial
Right or Left Handers
It’s simple software with a full length fretboard for right or left handed players
Take your time and follow each step. You’ll learn music basics, chords and much more.
If you apply yourself you will know the guitar neck and scales in a fairly short time
Been Playing for Awhile?
Even if you have been playing awhile you can benefit from this product, you will be surprised how much you don’t know as well as you think you do
I wish this was around when I was learning guitar
Once again here is the link to this software that will save you hours of practice by organizing these scale for you to learn.
Guitar Scales Method Trial
P.S. You are Never done learning guitar, there is always something new to learn. It’s a lifestyle enjoy it
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