How to Play the A Flat Overtone Dominant Scale on Guitar

The A flat overtone dominant scale is derived from the overtones that occur in nature when a note is played. These overtones create a scale that can be best explained as a dominant seventh scale with a sharp fourth degree. This unusual scale can provide some beautiful jazzy sounds. Read on to learn how to construct and play an A flat overtone dominant scale on the guitar.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guitar

1. Using your forefinger, play the fourth fret of the sixth string (low E string). This is the note A flat, the first degree of the A flat overtone dominant scale.

2. Place your pinkie on the sixth fret of the sixth string. This is the note B flat, the second degree of the A flat overtone dominant scale.

3. Using your forefinger, play the third fret of the fifth string (A string). This is the note C, the third degree of the A flat overtone dominant scale.

4. Put your ring finger on the fifth fret of the fifth string. This is the note D, the fourth degree of the A flat overtone dominant scale.

5. Place your pinkie on the sixth fret of the fifth string. This is the note E flat, the fifth degree of the A flat overtone dominant scale.

6. Using your forefinger, play the third fret of the fourth string (D string). This is the note F, the sixth degree of the A flat overtone dominant scale.

7. Use your middle finger to play the fourth fret of the fourth string. This is the note G flat, the seventh degree of the A flat overtone dominant scale.

8. Place your pinkie on the sixth fret of the fourth string. This is the note A flat, the eighth and final degree of the A flat overtone dominant scale. This A flat is 1 octave higher than the A flat note you played in Step 1.

9. Play the scale in reverse. Play Step 8 to Step 1 in reverse order to complete the scale.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be discouraged if this scale sounds odd to you at first. When played in the context of a complimentary jazz chord progression, you will be able to unlock the beauty and potential of this scale.