Lesson 17 – Major Scale Patterns

Major Scale Patterns with Root on the F, A, C, and E Strings 

Major scale patterns can start on either of the two sets of “Major” strings, the “F” string or the “C” string … or … on either of the two sets of “Minor” strings, the “A” string or the “E” string. 

Step 1: First, locate the note, that defines the Major scale that you want to play … on one of the top 4 strings.

Step 2: Next, use the red pattern if starting the scale on either the F or C strings and the blue pattern if starting the scale on either the A or E strings. It’s that simple!

The scale patterns below are movable and can be used to play Major scales in every key up and down the fretboard.

Practice moving around within each Major scale pattern.  Start on one of the root notes (red) and move forward, backwards … whatever sounds good.  Do this with each scale pattern, in this, and all subsequent lessons!