Guitar Scales
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What is a scale?
A scale is a set of notes ordered by pitch. Scales are the raw material for melodies and solos. The distance between each pair of adjacent notes is described in whole steps (W, 2 semitones) and half steps (H, 1 semitone).
Major scale
The most common scale in Western music. Pattern: W–W–H–W–W–W–H. It sounds bright and happy. The C major scale (C–D–E–F–G–A–B) has no sharps or flats.
Natural minor scale
Pattern: W–H–W–W–H–W–W. It sounds sad and moody. Every major key has a relative minor that uses the same notes, starting on the 6th degree. Example: A natural minor (A–B–C–D–E–F–G) uses the same notes as C major.
Harmonic minor scale
Like natural minor but with a raised 7th degree. Pattern: W–H–W–W–H–W½–H (W½ = 3 semitones, an augmented 2nd). The raised 7th creates a strong pull back to the tonic. Common in classical, metal, and Middle Eastern music.
Melodic minor scale
Like natural minor but with a raised 6th AND 7th when ascending. Descending, it reverts to natural minor. Pattern (ascending): W–H–W–W–W–W–H. Common in jazz.
Pentatonic scales
A five-note scale derived from the major or minor scale by removing two notes. Easy to play and sounds good in almost any context — the go-to for guitar solos.
- Major pentatonic — root, major 2nd, major 3rd, perfect 5th, major 6th. Bright and open.
- Minor pentatonic — root, minor 3rd, perfect 4th, perfect 5th, minor 7th. Bluesy and versatile.
Blues scale
The minor pentatonic with an added flat 5th (the "blue note"). Six notes total. The flat 5th is the signature tension note of blues and rock soloing.
Modes
Modes are scales derived from the major scale by starting on a different degree. Seven modes:
- Ionian — same as major scale (W–W–H–W–W–W–H)
- Dorian — minor mode with a raised 6th (W–H–W–W–W–H–W). Soulful, jazzy.
- Phrygian — minor mode with a flat 2nd (H–W–W–W–H–W–W). Spanish, dark.
- Lydian — major mode with a raised 4th (W–W–W–H–W–W–H). Dreamy, floating.
- Mixolydian — major mode with a flat 7th (W–W–H–W–W–H–W). Blues-rock, dominant.
- Aeolian — same as natural minor (W–H–W–W–H–W–W)
- Locrian — diminished mode with flat 2nd and flat 5th (H–W–W–H–W–W–W). Unstable, rare.
Other scales
- Whole tone — 6 notes, all whole steps. Dreamy, Debussy-esque.
- Chromatic — all 12 semitones. Used for tension and passing tones.
- Diminished — alternating whole and half steps. Symmetrical, 8 notes.
Use the scales wheel to hear every scale listed above. Pick a scale from the Scale button, then tap the orbs to play notes. Drag the ring to rotate through keys.