Guitar Scales for Beginners

Major Scales Played on 1 Guitar String

Scales can be played a number of ways on the guitar. This first scale example is the Major Scale using one string on the guitar.

The spacing between each note is important to remember for all scales. On the guitar, a whole step (W) skips 1 fret from the current note, and a half step (H) is the fret right next to the current note.

The scale shown below is the C major scale played on one string. Practice playing each note in order at first, and going back or forward in the scale from the direction you start.

   C  D  E  F  G  A   B   C   
e|---------------------------|
B|-1--3--5--6--8--10--12--13-|
G|---------------------------|
D|---------------------------|
A|---------------------------|
E|---------------------------|

The C major scale is also called the natural scale because it contains no sharp (♯) or flat (♭) notes. The red notes in the scale diagram show the root notes. The root note that repeats at the end is called an octave.

Using the same pattern of whole steps and half steps, you can play other major scales on different strings and notes. Remember the formula of the steps: W - W - H - W - W - W - H.

Major Pentatonic Scales Played on 1 Guitar String

   C  D  E  G  A   C   
e|--------------------|
B|-1--3--5--8--10--13-|
G|--------------------|
D|--------------------|
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|

Minor Pentatonic Scales Played on 1 Guitar String

The Minor Pentatonic Scale is a 5 note scale used frequently in blues and rock guitar. The steps between the notes differ from the steps used in the Major Scale.

   C  Eb F  G  Bb  C   
e|--------------------|
B|-1--4--6--8--11--13-|
G|--------------------|
D|--------------------|
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|

The Major Scale Played on Multiple Strings

This next scale is the G Major scale played on 3 strings. It uses the same formula of whole and half steps, but using the other strings allows for less hand movement on the neck of the guitar.

Note:     G  A  B  C  D  E  F# G  
       e|------------------------|
       B|------------------------|
       G|------------------------|
       D|----------------2--4--5-|
       A|-------2--3--5----------|
       E|-3--5-------------------|
Finger:   M  P  I  M  P  I  R  P  

Finger dexterity is important to any guitarist. Try using all 4 of your fret hand's fingers. Start the scale with your middle finger (M) and use it to play any other notes on the 3rd fret. Use your pinky finger (P) on the second note of the scale and use it for any notes on the 5th fret. Your index finger (I) should play any notes on the 2nd fret, and the ring finger (R) on any note on the 4th fret. This will allow you to play the scale faster as you practice more.

The Major Pentatonic Scale Played on Multiple Strings

The A Major Pentatonic Scale

Note:     A  B  C# E  F# A   
       e|-------------------|
       B|-------------------|
       G|----------------2--|
       D|----------2--4-----|
       A|----2--4-----------|
       E|-5-----------------|
Finger:   P  I  R  I  R  I   

The Minor Pentatonic Scale Played on Multiple Strings

The G Minor Pentatonic Scale

Note:     G  A# C  D  F  G   
       e|-------------------|
       B|-------------------|
       G|-------------------|
       D|-------------3--5--|
       A|-------3--5--------|
       E|-3--6--------------|
Finger:   I  P  I  R  I  R   

Continue Learning Guitar Scales

Major Scales

Major Pentatonic Scales

Minor Pentatonic Scales