The Major Scale

It is simply the succession of notes in half (semitones) or whole (whole tones) steps within a given key. For example, the C Major scale: C D E F G A B (or the do re mi fa so la ti) with C being the first-degree note, D the second-degree note and so on. For now also take notice that the 6th degree is A (you will later see why). Now notice the distances or intervals between each note. From C to D, it is a whole step as well as the rest except from E to F and B back to C (high).

 

If you find it difficult to understand this, take a look at the keyboard picture below.

As you can see it is composed of black and white keys. Now note that there are no black keys (flat or sharp) in between E and F, and B and C. This explains why it is only a half step between E and F, and B and C. From that analysis we can set the formula for the C Major scale (and all Major scales) which goes: w-w-h-w-w-w-h (w- whole step; h- half step).

               C          D          E          F          G          A          B          c

                 \       /   \       /  \       /   \      /   \       /   \      /   \      /

                    w            w        h          w          w         w          h

On the guitar a whole step is equivalent to two frets and a half step, to one. So if we lay it down on the guitar neck it looks like this:

The C is the root note in the key of C Major

Anything in between the notes are the flats and the sharps. For instance the fret between C and D is called C sharp or D flat. And as you would notice, there is nothing in between E and F, and B and C.

As an alternative to memorising the interval formula, as guitarists we have the benefit of shape or pattern recognition at our disposal. Take note of the peculiar fingering shape as this will help you to easily transpose this to other keys other than C Major so long as they are also ‘Major' keys (C sharp Major, D Major, D sharp Major, and so on) which works exactly like barre chords. This is one advantage that the guitar has above most other instruments. This is the reason why most guitar players and teachers refer to the guitar as a symmetrical instrument. For the mean time, try to familiarise yourself with the Major scale fingering shape/pattern in all keys and get the feel for it so that you can almost immediately play it when the situation calls for it (don't be afraid to use your pinkie). If you are having problems doing this, feel free to leave a comment and I'd be glad to help you.

Watch out for my upcoming post—The Minor scale.