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[C major modes intro] [ C Ionian ] [ Dorian mode ] [ Phrygian mode ] [ Lydian mode ] [ Mixolydian Mode ] [ Aeolian mode ] [ Locrian mode ]
[ Basic major scale fingerings ] [ F major modes ] [ G Modes ] [ Constructing Scales ] [ Key Signatures and constructing major scales ] [ Modulation, cadence, progressions ]
Today’s most popular guitar scales used in ROCK Guitar
The first scale illustrated will be the A minor pentatonic scale. This scale is one of the most popular guitar scales used in ROCK guitar. Due to its popularity and great song writing capabilities, I have personally showed every position throughout our lessons. The greatest guitarists of all time have used this scale. It is vital to have a full understanding of this scale and how it can be converted or added to other scales to produce unbelievable phrases. Each scale will be shown in the root note fret position for ease of explanation. However, it is strongly advised that you learn each scale in every position of the guitar fretboard.
The second scale is the A blues scale. All we need to do is add one note to the pentatonic scale to construct the blues scale. By adding that one note to the pentatonic scale, you now get that distinct blues sound.
The 3rd scale is the major pentatonic at the V position.
The 4th scale is the A Dorian mode and the A blues combined. Use the examples illustrated below and you will be rocking in no time.
The tablature for each scale is shown below. Start with the first exercise and learn each scale before moving on to the others.
The first illustration above, to the left is the A minor pentatonic scale. It is illustrated in the root note fret position. If you notice, you can play every note of this scale without your 1 finger ever leaving the 5th fret. The Low E string can determine this root note fret position.
The root note for the Am pentatonic scale is the A note. The note at the 5th fret, Low E string is the A note. If you were to move this fingering pattern to the 7th fret, it would now be the Bm pentatonic scale, root note fret. This is very important information. This actually means, any scale you play can be moved to any other position to play in other keys. The fingering patterns will always remain the same.
The following progression is a 12 bars blues progression using the pentatonic positions. I have written this progression with the same riffs in each bar. Play this progression in as many different keys as possible. By moving the A7 down to the 3rd fret you could play this progression in G7, C7 and D7. Move everything down 2 frets and repeat the fingering. Move everything of the A7 to the 10th fret and play this progression starting with the D. D7, G7 and A7.
I would like to explain a way to write the greatest sounding leads. This could change everything for you and open endless possibilities. By combining the major and minor pentatonic scales, you can join the greatest guitarists of all time.
The tablature below illustrates how to play the Aeolian mode at the 5th fret and 17th fret position of the fretboard. Don’t forget that all notes on the guitar repeat after 12 frets. This includes scale patterns as well. The numbers on the illustration below represent the figures you use to play the Aeolian mode.
Play the Am F and G progression and give this mode a try. Fingers to use to play the mode have been included.
Compare the A minor pentatonic illustrated below to the A Aeolian mode above. You can see the same pattern and notes above. This means you can play the A minor pentatonic and the Aeolian mode over the A minor chord. This works for all scales and modes.
The D Aeolian mode below has the same exact fingering pattern as the A Aeolian mode, but you would play the D Aeolian starting on the D note 10th fret. Compare each mode and try to understand what is going on. If not, send me an email.
The illustration below shows the C major scale. It is also called the Ionian mode. The notes on the fretboard represent the notes you play.
The illustration below shows the figures you use to play this fingering pattern of the C major scale. There are a number of different fingering patters you can use. It really depends on what finger you start the scale off with. This position uses the 2 finger, If you started with your 4 finger or 1 finger, you would use a different fingering pattern.
The C major pentatonic scale is shown below. Compare this major pentatonic scale to the C major scale above. The same notes are in each scale. The C major scale has 2 additional notes though. If you learn to play the major and minor pentatonic scales, it’s easy to convert them to diatonic major and minor scales.
These are the scales to learn, play them everyday. Change keys, move them around and come up with your own licks. There are many other scales to learn, but these should keep you busy. Rock on!
Good Luck
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