The lesson opens by calling the major scale one of the most fundamental aspects of music, useful for soloing, writing songs and playing songs.
A half step moves one fret and a whole step moves two frets, and each scale has its own series of them.
Starting on C, the major scale formula is whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half, and the same formula generates every major scale from whatever note you start on.
The C major fingering starts on the A string third fret with the ring finger and moves through open D, D string frets two and three, open G, G string second fret, open B and B string first fret.
As an exercise, say each note name as you play (C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C) to learn the fretboard.
Brief overview
The major scale follows a whole and half step formula that generates every major scale on guitar.
Half step is one fret, whole step is twoA half step moves one fret; a whole step moves two frets at a time.
One formula builds every major scaleWhole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half from any starting note.
Say note names while playingNaming C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C helps you learn the fretboard.
Questions this recording answers
5 questions, each answered where it is said
What is the formula for a major scale?
Starting on C, the major scale formula is whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step. The neat thing is that this formula generates every single major scale: whatever note you start on is the scale you will generate, so starting on C gives C major.
What is the difference between a half step and a whole step?
A half step is simply moving from one note to another by one fret. A whole step moves by two frets at a time, so you find your starting note and move up two frets. Every scale has its own series of whole and half steps.
How do you finger the C major scale on guitar?
Start on the A string third fret with your ring finger, then play the open D string, D string second fret with the middle finger and D string third fret with the ring finger. Then open G, G string second fret with the middle finger, open B, and end on the B string first fret with the pointer finger.
How can I learn the note names on the fretboard?
A good exercise is saying the name of each note while you play it. For the C major scale that means saying C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C as you play, which is a great way to learn the names of the notes on the fretboard.
Why should I learn the major scale?
The major scale is one of the most fundamental aspects of music. Having the pattern under your fingers helps with soloing, writing songs and playing songs, and you will use it all the time for melodies and improvising, so the more you know it, the easier guitar becomes.
Key Quote
“Now a half step is simply moving from one note to another by one fret.”
— Instructor
Key Quote
“Now a whole step on the other hand is moving by two frets at a time.”
— Instructor
Key Quote
“The neat thing about this formula is that it will generate”