Scales and modes
Scale
A scale is an ordered series of notes from a tonic up to its octave, defined by a fixed pattern of intervals, such as the major scale: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half.
What is a scale?
A scale starts on one note, the tonic, and climbs to the octave following a fixed pattern of intervals. The pattern, not the notes, defines the scale: apply it to any tonic and you get the same colour.
On guitar this is very concrete: one fret = a half step, two frets = a whole step.
| Scale | Formula | Example in A |
|---|---|---|
| Major | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 | A B C# D E F# G# |
| Natural minor | 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7 | A B C D E F G |
| Minor pentatonic | 1 ♭3 4 5 ♭7 | A C D E G |
| Major pentatonic | 1 2 3 5 6 | A B C# E F# |
| Blues | 1 ♭3 4 ♭5 5 ♭7 | A C D E♭ E G |
| Chromatic | all 12 half steps | A A# B C ... G# |
Scale vs key: what is the difference?
A scale is a list of notes. A key is a centre of gravity: a tonic that those notes and their chords revolve around. The C major scale (C D E F G A B) supplies the notes of the key of C major.
Play the same seven notes starting from another note and you get a mode: starting on D gives Dorian, starting on A gives the natural minor scale. Modes are scales that share the notes of the major scale but not its tonic.
Three ways to play a scale on guitar
- On a single string: ideal for understanding intervals. C major on the A string: frets 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15.
- In position (a "box"): your hand stays within four or five frets. A minor pentatonic at the 5th fret: frets 5 and 8 on the low E, 5 and 7 on the A, D and G strings, 5 and 8 on the B and high E strings.
- Three notes per string: each string gets three notes, which helps speed and moving along the neck.
Start with one position you know well, then connect it to the next. Positions overlap: the top notes of one are the bottom notes of the next.
Exercise: build a scale on one string
Take the natural minor formula in whole (W) and half (H) steps: W, H, W, W, H, W, W. On the low E string, starting from A (5th fret):
5 (A), 7 (B), 8 (C), 10 (D), 12 (E), 13 (F), 15 (G), 17 (A).
Sing each note as you play it. Then repeat with the major formula (W, W, H, W, W, W, H) from the same fret: you will instantly hear dark turn into bright. Finally, compare with the minor pentatonic: just remove B (the 2) and F (the ♭6).
Key takeaways
- A scale = a tonic + a pattern of intervals.
- One fret = one half step, so every formula can be read straight off a string.
- Scale = notes; key = notes + a centre of gravity.
- To see any scale across the whole neck, as note names or intervals, use the guitar scales and chords tool.
Frequently asked questions
How many scales does a guitarist need to know?
For pop, rock and blues, four will carry you a long way: minor pentatonic, major pentatonic, major scale and natural minor. Then add the blues scale, followed by the modes and harmonic minor depending on your style.
Which guitar scale should I learn first?
The minor pentatonic, in position at the 5th fret in A. It has only five notes, no half steps between neighbouring notes, and works over most rock and blues progressions.
What is the difference between a scale and an arpeggio?
A scale contains every available note, played step by step. An arpeggio contains only the notes of one chord, played one at a time. C major as a scale: C D E F G A B; C arpeggio: C E G.
Related terms
Practise in the workshop
Take it from theory to the fretboard
Open the workshop tools and see this idea across the whole neck. Free account, no card needed.