How to Play the C Overtone Dominant Scale on Guitar

The C overtone dominant scale is based on the overtones that occur in nature when a note is played. It is an exotic sounding scale that is common in jazz music. Read on to learn how to construct and play a C overtone dominant scale of your own on the guitar.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guitar

1. Begin the scale by placing your middle finger on the eighth fret of the sixth string (E string). This is the note C, the first degree of the C overtone dominant scale.

2. Place your pinkie on the tenth fret of the sixth string. This is the note D, the second degree of the C overtone dominant scale.

3. Using your forefinger, hold down the seventh fret of the fifth string (A string). This is the note E, the third degree of the C overtone dominant scale.

4. Play the ninth fret of the fifth string with your ring finger. This is the note F sharp, this is the fourth degree of the C overtone dominant scale.

5. Place your pinkie on the tenth fret of the fifth string. This is the note G, the fifth degree of the C overtone dominant scale.

6. Using your forefinger, hold down the seventh fret of the fourth string (D string). This is the note A, the sixth degree of the C overtone dominant scale.

7. Place your middle finger on the eighth fret of the fourth. This is the note B flat, the seventh degree of the C overtone dominant scale.

8. Place your pinkie on the tenth fret of the fourth string. This is the note C, the eighth and final degree of the C overtone dominant scale. This note is 1 octave higher than the C that began the scale in Step 1.

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

Tips & Warnings

• Practice creating chords from the notes in this scale to make some very unusual and interesting chord progressions!