Practicing Scales

Practicing Scales In The Full Range Of A Position

by Todd Lefever

Although a scale is built by ascending from one note to its octave, it is important for guitarists to also practice scales in the full range of a position. This is a great way to learn all the available notes in that position (in a particular key or mode) for playing melodies, chords, riffs, etc.  To do this, start on the lowest root of the scale and ascend to the highest note in the position, descend to the lowest note and return by ascending to the root you started on.

For beginners, the major scale is the first and most important scale to learn how to play.  I suggest making it a goal to learn to play the one octave and full range major scales in the keys of C major (key signature: 0 sharps, 0 flats), G major (key signature: 1 sharp) and F major (key signature: 1 flat) in the open position (first position using open strings).  Here is how:

Key of C major:

One octave:  Start on C (5^th string) ascend to C (2^nd string).

Start on C (2^nd string) descend to C (5^th string).

Full range:  Start on C (5^th string) ascend to G (1^st string).

descend to E (6^th string) ascend to C (5^th string).

Key of G major:

One octave:  Start on G (6^th string) ascend to G (3^rd string).

Start on G (3^rd string) descend to G (6^th string).

Full range:  Start on G (6^th string) ascend to G (1^st string).

descend to E (6^th string) ascend to G (6^th string).

Key of F major:

One octave:  Start on F (6^th string) ascend to F (4^th string).

Start on F (4^th string) descend to F (6^th string).

Full range:  Start on F (6^th string) ascend to G (1^st string).

descend to E (6^th string) ascend to F (6^th string).

Todd Lefever is a guitar instructor offering private electric and acoustic guitar lessons at Elite Music Academy. For a free consultation please contact the main desk at 416 406 5355 ext 1. All ages welcome