Understanding the Formula for the Major Scale

Understanding the major scale formula is crucial for unlocking the guitar fretboard. It connects rhythm playing, lead lines, and melodies. By practicing scales across different strings and integrating them into songs and melodies, you’ll see how versatile and essential the major scale truly is.

Introduction to the Major Scale Formula

• This is the major scale formula: W-W-H-W-W-W-H (W = Whole step, H = Half step).

• We can play this on on the low E string starting from the open E note (E major scale):

E |--0--2--4--5--7--9--11--12--| (E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E)

This formula defines the major scale across any root note. In this case, starting on open E creates the E major scale.

E Major Scale on the High E and B Strings

Playing the Scale

• High E String:

  e |--0--2--4--5--7--9--11--12--| (E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E)

• B String:

  B |--0--2--4--5--7--9--11--12--| (B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B)

Relation to Lead Lines

• The high E and B strings are often used for melodic lead lines

• Song Example: "High and Dry" by Radiohead.

G Major Scale on the G and B Strings

Playing the Scale

• G String:

  G |--0--2--4--5--7--9--11--12--| (G, A, B, C, D, E, F#, G)

• B String:

  B |--0--2--4--5--7--8--10--12--| (B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#, B)

Using a Pedal Note!

• The concept here is: A consistent note (the open G note) is repeated while creating a melody on the B string

• Play the open G string repeatedly while plucking notes from the B string scale (e.g B, C#, D#, E).

Key Points from this lesson:

• The major scale formula applies universally to any root note.

• Relating scales to chord roots helps with diatonic theory and improvisation

• Scales on the high strings are great for melodic lead lines

• Pedal notes add richness and depth to melodies and sometimes just sound awesome!

Practice suggestions:

1. Practice the E major scale on the low E, high E, and B strings.

2. Use the G major scale to create your own melody with the open G as a pedal note.

3. Play the diatonic chords of E major using the low E string root notes and strum through the progression: E - F#m - G#m - A - B - C#m - D#dim - E.

4. Think of lead lines such as "High and Dry" and many others that using the high E and B strings.