How to Play the Major Blues Scale I for Guitar

The major blues scale I can be found in the solos of many famous players, in many different styles, such as rock, blues and country. Guitarists such as Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimmy Page and Brent Mason have all used this scale on some of their most classic recordings. Learning the major blues scale I can help you add a new harmonic flavor to any of your solos or riffs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

How to Play the Major Blues Scale I for Guitar, Part I

1. Place the left-hand middle finger on the fifth fret of the sixth string. Pluck the note with a pick or right-hand fingers.

2. Position the left-hand pinky finger on the seventh fret of the sixth string. Play the string.

3. Place the left-hand index finger on the third fret of the fifth string. Pluck the note.

4. Position the left-hand index finger on the fourth fret of the fifth string. Play the string with the right hand.

5. Position the left-hand pinky finger on the seventh fret of the fifth string. Pluck the note with the right hand.

6. Place the left-hand index finger on the fourth fret of the fourth string. Play the string with the right hand.

7. Position the left-hand pinky finger on the seventh fret of the fourth string. Pluck the note.

8. Place the left-hand index finger on the fourth fret of the third string. Play the string.

How to Play the Major Blues Scale I for Guitar, Part II

9. Position the left-hand middle finger on the fifth fret of the third string. Pluck the note with the right hand.

10. Place the left-hand ring finger on the sixth fret of the third string. Play the string with the right hand.

11. Position the left-hand index finger on the fifth fret of the second string. Pluck the note.

12. Place the left-hand ring finger on the seventh fret of the second string. Play the string.

13. Position the left-hand index finger on the fifth fret of the first string. Pluck the note with the right hand.

14. Place the left-hand ring finger on the seventh fret of the first string. Play the string with the right hand.

15. 

    Play all 14 notes in a row to produce an A major blues scale I. Refer to the given example if needed.

16. Practice playing the major blues scale I in different keys across the neck. The first note of the scale is the root, which indicates the key. For example, starting this scale on the tenth fret would produce a D major blues scale I.

Tips & Warnings

• Memorizing the major blues scale I will better allow you to apply this scale to a musical situation.

Resources

• Guide to Practicing Scales
• Guitar Player Lesson Page