How to Play the Hawaiian Scale on the Guitar

If you want to increase your knowledge of scales, try learning the Hawaiian scale. This scale differs from the traditional major scale in that it has a lowered third degree. This lends a unique sound to the scale that will make your guitar solos and compositions more distinctive.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guitar

1. Begin the scale by playing the third fret of the fifth string with your ring finger. This is the root note of the scale.

2. Play the fourth string open. "Open" refers to the playing of a string without holding down any of the frets. This is the note D, the second degree of the C Hawaiian scale.

3. Using your forefinger, play the first fret of the fourth string. This is the note E flat, the third degree of the C Hawaiian scale.

4. Play the third fret of the fourth string with your ring finger. This is the note F, the fourth degree of the C Hawaiian scale.

5. Play the third string (G string) open. This note, G, is the fifth degree of the C Hawaiian scale.

6. Using your middle finger, play the second fret of the third string. The note struck is A, the sixth degree of the C Hawaiian scale.

7. Play the second string (B string) open. This is the seventh degree of the C Hawaiian scale.

8. Play the first fret of the second string with your forefinger. This is the final note of the scale, and is one octave higher than the root note you played in Step 1.

9. Play the scale in reverse. Play Steps 8 through 1 to complete the Hawaiian scale.