How to Play the Major Scale in Jazz Guitar

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

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

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

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

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

C Major Scale Across the Neck

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

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

13. 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.