How to Play the Major Blues Scale II for Guitar

The major blues scale II is built on the second note of the major blues scale I, and the root can be found on the sixth note of the scale. Learning to play the major blues scale II will allow you to solo and play blues melodies in all keys across the entire neck of the guitar.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

How to Play the Major Blues Scale II for Guitar

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

2. Position the left-hand middle finger on the eighth fret of the sixth string. Play the note.

3. Place the left-hand ring finger on the ninth fret of the sixth string. Pluck the note.

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

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

6. Position the left-hand index finger on the seventh fret of the fourth string. Play the string with the right hand. This is the root, which is an A in this example.

7. Place the left-hand ring finger on the ninth fret of the fourth string. Pluck the note.

8. Position the left-hand pinky finger on the tenth fret of the fourth string. Play the string.

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

9. Place the left-hand index finger on the sixth fret of the third string. Pluck the string with the right hand.

10. Position the left-hand pinky finger on the ninth fret of the third string. Play the note.

11. Place the left-hand index finger on the seventh fret of the second string. Pluck the string.

12. Position the left-hand pinky finger on the tenth fret of the second string. Play the note with the right hand.

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

14. Position the left-hand middle finger on the eighth fret of the first string. Play the note.

15. Place the left-hand ring finger on the ninth fret of the first string. Pluck the string.

16. 
     

    Play all 15 notes in a row to produce an A major blues scale II for guitar. Refer to the example as necessary.

17. Practice playing the major blues scale II in different keys across the neck. The sixth note of the scale is the root, which indicates the key. For example, if you start this scale on the fifth fret of the sixth string, the root will fall on the note G and it will produce a G major blues scale II.

Tips & Warnings

• Learning to play all five modes of the major blues scale will ensure that you can easily connect any blues lick or phrase across the entire neck of the guitar.

Resources

• How to Practice Blues Guitar Scales
• Guitar Player Lesson Page