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Major Scale

 

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Last updated on: 2009-08-19 4:16 PM

A major scale is a seven note diatonic scale with a numeric formula of 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8/1 and is the basis for Western music and theory. Whenever you see a scale or chord formula it is always written relative to the major scale which has no alterations (relative to itself). The major scale has seven modes starting with Ionian which is a major scales modal name, followed by Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Locrian.

The major scale patterns below are referenced as numbers #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 which you will find correspond directly with the chord voicings and reading positions of the same number, for instance: major chord voicing #4 is built from major scale pattern #4 and both belong to reading position #4. The five positions cover the entire neck which gives us a structure to memorize scales and chords.

Major Scale Profile

Numeric Formula 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8/1
Notation Formula (key of C) C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C/1
Stepping whole / whole / half / whole / whole / whole / half
Tonal tone / tone / semi-tone / tone / tone / tone / semi-tone
Harmonized Triads (key of C) CMA / Dmi / Emi / FMA / GMA / Ami / BDiminished symbol
Harmonized Tetrads (key of C) CMA7 / Dmi7 / Emi7 / FMA7 / G7 / Ami7 / Bmi7(Flat symbol5)

Major Scale Patterns

The scales below are not shown in any particular key, they are patterns which can be moved around the guitar neck freely using the tonic (circled dot) as your navigator. See example below.

  • How to use
  • As an example, let's say you require a D major scale
  • After playing all the major scale patterns, you decide on pattern #2
  • Pattern #2 has it's root on the 5th string so you need to find the D note on this string
  • Click the notes on the neck chart tab and find the D note on the 5th fret (5th string)
  • Now play the D major scale using pattern #2 on the 5th fret
  • Use the Octave chart tab to help you remember which notes are where
  • Use the Scale chart help tab if your a beginner at reading scale charts
Major scale pattern 1
Major scale pattern 2
Major scale pattern 3
Major scale pattern 4
Major scale pattern 5
Scale chart help
Notes on the guitar neck chart (lite version)
Octaves chart

Using octaves to learn notes on the guitar neck

  1. First determine which chord you require, let's use a B major chord in this example.
  2. We know the root note is B, (if it were an A major chord the root note would be A and for Cma7 it would be C, etc etc)
  3. Using the notes on the guitar neck chart, find the B note on the 6th string, 7th fret.
  4. Now using the major scale patterns chart, look for pattern #4 which has it's root note on the 6th string and play it, your done!
  5. Remember, learning and memorizing notes, chord voicings and scales in this way will improve your playing skills, theoretical knowledge and desirability as a band member.

Major Scale Audio Sample(s)

To download audio sample(s) for later listening, right click on the MP3 link, then from the context menu that appears select Save Target As (Internet Explorer) or Save Link As (Firefox).

Audio Sample Name Flash MP3
C Major Scale Pattern #4 c-major-scale-pattern-4.mp3

Related Lessons & Resources

External Resources