Scales 1/2

Today, let's talk about... scales.

What's a scale? A scale is a sequence of musical notes, usually 7, associated to a mode or tonality (eg. C major = C major scale). A scale is usually played from the tonic (first note). Here is, in an ascending order, every degree of the C major scale :

1 - Tonic (C)
2 - Supertonic (D)
3 - Mediant (E)
4 - Subdominant (F)
5 - Dominant (G)
6 - Submediant (A)
7 - Leading tone(B)

Scales are divided, based on the intervals between the notes they contain.

1 - Perfect unison
2 - Second
3 - Third
4 - Fourth
5 - Fifth
6 - Sixth
7 - Seventh

For now, let's stop here. (For more info : Wikipedia).
Simply be aware that a major scale always contains the same intervals. Whatever the key is, the same order must be respected. It is thus necessary to learn properly this sequence on your guitar to be able to play in any key.

To do so, I use the "square" system. In the following diagram, I wrote every important major and minor scale positions.

Let's take the first major scale pattern (6-1). The tonic is represented by a little square. This means you can play this pattern anywhere on the guitar fretboard, and the "square" will determine which key you're playing in! For example, let's say you start the pattern on the third fret on the lower string (G note), you'll find yourself playing a G major scale.

Now, the first thing you need to do is to learn every position, one by one, of the major scale by playing from one square to the next (a complete scale) and so forth. Pick a key (I recommend C to begin), then play all the patterns starting from a C note (either on the 6th or 5th string depending on the chosen pattern). Everything will make sense soon enough!

Take note of the numbers written on the left side of the sheet : 1-2-3-4-5-6-7. They simply tell you the 7 degrees of the scale you're playing. For the major scale, they're all naturel (no alteration). To play, let's say, a melodic minor scale, you just need to lower the third (b3).

* 6-1,6-2 and the rest simply mean which string (6 or 5) and which finger (1, 2 or 4) you're using to play the first note of a scale pattern.

Cycle of fourths

Hi!

Today let's talk about the cycle of fourths (or fifths). It is a figure that helps us understand the relationship between the twelve tones of the chromatic scale.

Starting from any note (we choose C to simplify), it is possible to run through the whole chromatic scale going up fourths (clockwise) or down fifths (anti-clockwise). This cycle is often shown differently(going up fifths in a clockwise motion). But as ascending fourths are found everywhere in jazz tunes (and in music in general; it's like a gravitational energy) let's learn it this way.

This circle is useful:
-To know the key signature of any tonality (sharps and flats)
-To get used to the ascending fourths motion

It is important to practice any scale, arpeggio, chord, phrase in every key following this circle! This gives you a better understanding and flexibility in any key.

N.B. : in the chromatic scale, there is no semitone between B-C and E-F, hence the absence of E#, Fb, Cb or B# keys.

Have fun!

Arpeggios!

Here are the four most important arpeggio types.

Major 7 : 1-3-5-7
Dom. 7 : 1-3-5-b7
Min. 7 : 1-b3-5-b7
Min.7 b5 : 1-b3-b5-b7

They're divided in columns : 6-1 means sixth string, first finger (first finger plays the root note). 4-2 means fourth string, second finger, etc.

Some of these positins are less "guitar-friendly" than others but check them all before making a choice!
It is rather important to situate the third, fifth and seventh in these arpeggios. A good way to practice them is to play over "Bluesette" or "All The Things you Are" changes, trying to stay in one position using these arpeggios. Good luck!

New Blog!

Check out my new blog! (almost) daily practice routine.

HERE

By the way, I've been busy. I'm now working at a music school on the weekends and every thursday, so I have less time for any regular guitar lessons. I will still post here from time to time.