How To

How to Play the Major Scale in Jazz Guitar

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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Major scales in jazz guitar help you begin to grasp music theory and provide a structure for creating music. These scales teach you technique and notation, build flexibility and strength and guide you through further jazz guitar theory. Here is the one-and two-octave C major scale following the major scale pattern: W-W-h-W-W-W-h.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

    C Major Scale on the Second String

  1. Step 1

    Start on the first fret of the second string (C).

  2. Step 2

    Move one whole step, or two frets, to the third fret (D).

  3. Step 3

    Go another whole step and fret E (fifth fret).

  4. Step 4

    Travel a half step to the adjacent sixth fret and play the F.

  5. Step 5

    Continue the W-W-h-W-W-W-h pattern up the fretboard, and you end an octave higher at C on the 13th fret.

  6. Step 6

    Practice this pattern up and down the neck, ascending and descending, until you distinguish the notations and pitches.

  7. C Major Scale Across the Neck

  8. Step 1

    Use your index finger to begin on the third string, fifth fret and play a whole step to the seventh fret (C to D).

  9. Step 2

    Play the whole step from D to E by moving to the second string, fifth fret. Fret a half step to F, then a whole step to G.

  10. Step 3

    Finish the pattern by moving a whole step up to A on the first string, fifth fret. Then the whole step to B and the half step to C.

  11. Step 4

    Build on this same C pitch by moving to the fourth string, 10th fret. Now play the C major scale across the neck from this position.

  12. Step 5

    Add an octave now by moving to the sixth string, eighth fret. Start with your middle finger on this fret (C) and play the D using your little finger on the tenth fret.

  13. Step 6

    Proceed to the fifth string and continue the major scale pattern with E (seventh fret), F (eighth fret) and G (10th fret).

  14. Step 7

    Tie the two octaves together with the C, fourth string, 10th fret and finish the two-octave C major scale on the first string, eighth fret.

Tips & Warnings
  • There is only a half step (adjacent frets) between B-C and E-F.
  • Say the notes out loud or consciously in your head as you fret each one. You'll benefit later by learning notation with this pattern.
  • Scales are a great way to practice picking techniques, especially finger and pick styles.

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