Best guitar scales to learn

Scales are the basics of music. Before starting to play music on your guitar, you should get accustomed to scales. There are many techniques and methods to learn guitar scales. In this article, we will give you a simple explanation about the best sort of guitar scales so that you can start to play music on your guitar in no time.

Let Us talk about Scales!

Scales are the sequence of small steps between two precise musical points. Before starting this, you should keep the following points in mind-

  • Every scale has a unique sequence.
  • These steps are the combination of half steps (one fret)  and full steps (two frets).
  • These two precise points are on the same note, called the root note.

What is the importance of learning these scales? 

Now, you may think that why should I learn scales? I can just directly practice songs and compose. You can try that. However by learning guitar scales-

  • You will gain a better mastery of rhythm.
  • You will become more familiar with the notes on the fretboard.
  • By practicing scales, you can have greater finger strength and agility.
  • It works like a stepping stone for your composition.
  • Practicing scales develop your musical sense.

At what stage should I learn scales? 

It is best if you learn the scales as a beginner. However, it is never too late to learn anything in life. You can learn it even if you are in an intermediate or advanced stage. You can always go back to the basics to better your playability.

Do I need to learn all the scales? 

There are many guitar scales out there. The sheer amount sometimes intimidates even many intermediate and expert players. But no, you don’t need to learn all of them.

If you have already picked your music style, you can practice the scales compatible with that style. Many known musicians only ever practiced one or two scales all their life.

  • If you want to play pop/ rock/ country music, it is best to learn and practice major and minor pentatonic, blues, and the natural minor scales.
  • If you are interested in mainstream, classical, or Jazz, then practice major and minor scales.
  • And if neoclassical interests you then learn harmonic minor and diminished scales. These two scales are tough to learn.

In case you want to expand your guitar scale’s knowledge, we would suggest that you learn the ones that are perfectly compatible with your genre. Then practice other scales.

What are the Best Guitar Scales to learn?

Learning musical scales can be very tricky. In this section, we will talk about the best guitar scales and their step by the step learning process.

1.The Major Scale

The major scale is the guidebook of all scales. You should start your journey by learning this scale. It is a delightful, uplifting and optimistic scale. What you have to do is-

  • First, press the fifth fret then the fourth fret of the sixth string (E Low)
  • After that press the seventh then the fifth fret of the fifth string.
  • Then gradually press the seventh, sixth, and fourth fret of the fourth string.
  • Again press the seventh, sixth, and fourth fret but this time of the third string.
  • After that press the seventh, fifth, and fourth fret of the second string.
  • End it by pressing the seventh and fifth fret of the first string.

2. The Minor Scale

Another vital scale if you are just starting. This scale comes in three variation

  • The natural minor scale- when we talk about the minor scale we mainly mean a natural minor scale. It is a very important scale.
  • The harmonic minor scale– It is not important as the minor scale. It is a tough scale but the scale has its appeal.
  • The melodic minor scale– It is not that important.

The process of the minor scale is-

  • This scale starts with a single note (a half step). Press the fifth fret of the sixth string.
  • Then one by one press the eighth, sixth, and fifth fret of the fifth string.
  • After that press the seventh, fifth, and fourth fret of the fourth string.
  • Press seventh then the fifth fret of the third string.
  • Gradually press the eighth, seventh, fifth fret of the second string.
  • Again press the same fret but on the first string.

3. The Minor Pentatonic Scale

This is the simple version of the minor scale. Most guitarists learn this skill to compose their piece. This scale is fairly easy to learn.

How these scale works are-

  • This scale also starts with a single note. First, press the fifth fret of the sixth string.
  • Then press the eighth and fifth fret of the fifth string.
  • After that press seventh then the fifth fret of the fourth string.
  • Again press the seventh and fifth fret of the third than the second string.
  • And on the last string press the eighth and fifth fret.

4.The Dorian Scale (Mode)

This scale is mostly used in fusion and jazz. This is an upbeat scale. Perfecting it takes a lot of practice. So,

  • Firstly press the fifth fret of the sixth string.
  • Then gradually press the eighth, seventh, and fifth fret of the fifth string.
  • One by one press the seventh, sixth and fourth fret of the fourth string then do the same on the third string.
  • After that press seventh then the fifth fret of the second string.
  • Press eighth then seventh then the fifth fret of the first string.

5. Blues Scale

Learning this scale becomes easy if you have mastered the minor pentatonic scale. Here is why-

  • Start it by pressing the fifth fret of the sixth string.
  • Then press the eighth and fifth fret of the fifth string.
  • After that press the eighth, seventh, and fifth fret of the fourth string
  • Press the seventh and fifth fret of the third-string
  • Then, you have to press the seventh, sixth, and the fifth fret of the second string.
  • End it by pressing the eighth and fifth fret of the first string.

Do you see the resemblance now? You just have to add another extra note.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you now know more about guitar scales than you did before reading this article. Practice guitar scales as often as you can. Once you correctly learn scales you will be able to compose songs in no time. This is the first step to becoming an expert guitarist.

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