Guitar Scales Basics

No matter what level guitar player you are, it’s essential to understand guitar scales and know how to play them. This guide covers more than 20 of the most popular and useful scales and modes (a special group of scales based on the major scale). You’ll also find practice techniques, tips, and scale sequences.

The scales in this guide are presented in two main formats:

Though these scales can be played all over the fretboard, in this guide they are presented in the two most popular (and easily applicable) patterns. Each scale includes a description as well as the “formula” used to construct the scale. All the patterns appear in the key of C. Each scale is also movable, making the scales easy to transpose into another key simply by shifting the fret on which you play the 5th- or 6th-string root.

The music in this guide has been written in both guitar tablature and standard notation.

The tablature system, also known as tab, dates back to the lute music of the Renaissance. Today’s tab system uses six horizontal lines. Each line represents a string of the guitar, with the top line (1st string) being the highest and thinnest string and the bottom line (6th string) being the lowest and thickest string. The numbers that appear on the tab staff indicate the fret position, while an “0” indicates that the string should be played open.

Tablature only shows you the proper pitches to play. You need to refer to the standard notation to determine the duration of each note. Refer to the chart below for a breakdown of note values. Also, be aware that some examples are written in tablature with rhythmic stems.