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Notewize Electric Guitar:
Scales

Scales are an essential part of learning to play guitar, because they are the foundation of every riff, melody, and solo that you will ever play! The Notewize Electric Guitar Lesson Pack covers major scales, minor scales, major pentatonic scales, minor pentatonic scales, and blues scales, with Practice Exercises for each lesson!

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Introduction to Scales

 

Scales should be an essential part of your practice, as they are the basis of all melodies, riffs, and solos. Here's a quick lesson on how to read and play scales on the guitar.

Level 1: Major Scale (1 octave)

 

The Notewize Basic Guitar Course includes all kinds of scales, including major, minor, major pentatonic, minor pentatonic, and minor blues! Check out this first scale lesson to learn a great 1-octave major scale shape that uses only 3 strings.

Level 2: Minor Scale (1 octave)

 

The minor scale is often considered the opposite of the major scale, and it has a distinctly different sound. This lesson will introduce you to the minor scale, with a simple 1-octave scale shape that is perfect for any new guitarist.

Level 3: Major Pentatonic Scale (1 octave)

 

The major pentatonic scale is very similar to the major scale, with a few notes removed. This one octave shape uses just 3 strings, but will allow you to play many familiar riffs and melodies.

Level 4: Minor Pentatonic Scale (1 octave)

 

The minor pentatonic scale is very similar to the minor scale, with a few notes removed. This 1-octave shape only uses 3 strings, and is a must-know shape for guitarists wanting to play rock and blues riffs.

Level 5: Major Scale (E Shape)

 

The E Major Scale Shape uses all 6 strings, and has the root on the low E string played with finger 2. This lesson will teach you the scale shape and show you a great exercise to use for practicing the scale.

Level 5: Major Pentatonic Scale (E Shape)

 

The E Major Pentatonic Scale Shape is very similar to the E Major Scale Shape, with a few notes removed. Check out this lesson to learn the scale shape and find out how to practice it across the neck.

Level 6: Minor Scale (Em Shape)

 

This 6-string minor scale shape is a bit different than other scale shapes, as you will need to stretch your fingers to reach some of the notes. It's worth the extra effort, as this scale can be used to play many popular riffs and melodies.

Level 6: Minor Pentatonic Scale (Em Shape)

 

This minor pentatonic scale shape is the most popular scale shape used for soloing in rock and blues. If you're looking to explore more lead guitar riffs and solos, this scale is a must know!

Level 7: Major Scale (A Shape)

 

Now we are going to start learning some scales that have the low root on the A string. First, this lesson covers the notes across the A string, and how they relate to notes across the E string. This A major scale shape is a great alternative to the E major scale shape, and will help you to further navigate the fretboard!

Level 7: Major Pentatonic Scale (A Shape)

 

This major pentatonic scale shape is very similar to the A major scale shape, with a few notes removed. With only 2 notes per string, this scale is perfect for soloing over major chords! 

Level 8: Minor Scale (Am Shape)

 

This A minor scale shape is a great one to have under your fingers, and it will allow you to play minor scales with the root on the A string. Pairing this scale shape with the E minor scale shape will give you 2 great options for playing minor riffs and melodies.

Level 8: Minor Pentatonic Scale (Am Shape)

 

The A minor pentatonic scale shape is very similar to the A minor scale shape, with some notes removed. This scale shape is perfect for expanding your options for playing riffs and solos.

Level 9: Minor Blues Scale (Em Shape)

 

The minor blues scale is very similar to the minor pentatonic scale, with some additional notes. If you're interested in exploring blues riffs and soloing, this scale shape is a must-know!

Level 10: Minor Blues Scale (Am Shape)

 

This A minor blues scale is very similar to the A minor pentatonic scale, with a few added notes. But unlike other scales we've covered, you will need to shift your hand a bit to play through all of the notes of this scale.

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