How to Play the Major Blues Scale IV for Guitar

The major blues scale IV is built off of the fifth note of the blues scale I, with the root of the scale being found on the third note of the scale. Learning to play the major blues scale IV on the guitar will enable you to quickly and easily access the blues scale in any position, or key, along the fretboard.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

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

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

2. Position the left-hand ring finger on the fourteenth fret of the sixth string. Play the note.

3. Place the left-hand index finger on the twelfth fret of the fifth string. Pluck the string. This is the root of the scale, which is an A in this example.

4. Position the left-hand ring finger on the fourteenth fret of the fifth string. Play the note with the right hand.

5. Place the left-hand pinky finger on the fifteenth fret of the fifth string. Pluck the string with the right hand.

6. Position the left-hand index finger on the eleventh fret of the fourth string. Play the string.

7. Place the left-hand pinky finger on the fourteenth fret of the fourth string. Pluck the note.

8. Position the left-hand index finger on the eleventh fret of the third string. Play the string with the right hand.

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

9. Place the left-hand pinky finger on the fourteenth fret of the third string. Pluck the note with the right hand.

10. Position the left-hand index finger on the twelfth fret of the second string. Play the string.

11. Place the left-hand middle finger on the thirteenth fret of the second string. Pluck the note.

12. Position the left-hand ring finger on the fourteenth fret of the second string. Play the string.

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

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

15. 

    Play all 14 notes in a row to produce the A major blues scale IV. Refer to the example if necessary.

16. Practice playing the major blues scale IV in different keys across the neck. The third note of the scale is the root, which indicates the key. For example, if you start this scale on the third fret of the sixth string that would produce a C major blues scale IV.

Tips & Warnings

• Learning to play the other four modes of the major blues scale will allow you to better navigate the fingerboard when playing in the blues style.

Resources

• Tips for Practicing Scales on Guitar
• Resource Page for Practicing Guitarists