Dansm's Guitar Scale Lessons
The Major Scale
The major scale is the most-used scale in popular music. It contains seven different notes and therefore has seven different modes. Their names and formations are found on the pages below. Once you learn how to form each mode, you can put it all together so you know where every note in the scale is on the fretboard. This is probably the most powerful use of scales. Make sure to go through these pages in order, because they build on each other. Good luck, remember to have fun, and keep playin' ! If you have any questions, e-mail me!
My Scale Notation
how to read all my scale charts

Which Scales Should I Learn?
this page outlines the important scales for a few main genres of music

Half and Whole Steps
information necessary for learning scales

What Are Modes?
a definition of modes for guitarists

Playing Scales: Fretting and Picking
get the most out of your hands while playing scales

Information on Keys
how do you know what key a song is in? check out this page for help

Which Scales Can I Play?
you have a chord progression in G, but what scales and what modes can you play over it?

Learning Scales
scales don't have to be boring; here are some suggestions so you learn them, not learn to hate them

Translating Scales and Modes Into Any Key
I showed you the modes in G or Em, so learn how to play them in ANY key
The Major Scale
pattern of whole and half steps
The Ionian Mode
the basic scale: the first mode

The Dorian Mode
the second mode

The Phrygian Mode
the third mode

The Lydian Mode
the fourth mode

The Mixolydian Mode
the fifth mode

The Aeolian Mode
the sixth mode; also the relative minor scale

The Locrian Mode
the seventh mode
The Major Key
putting it all together

Major Scale RealAudio Chord Progressions
practice soloing with the major scale using these RA files
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© 1997 Daniel E. Smith.