Top 3 Scales for guitarists (Patreon)
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Today we're gonna talk about snake scales, that bathroom scale you've been avoiding and even the scales of justice muhahaha. Just kidding, of course we're talking about guitar scales! Scales are the fundamental building blocks of music. Each sacred tone helps articulate your creative visions to the world. So where do you start and what are the most important ones to learn? In this video I cover the top 3 scales every guitarist can't live without
1. Blues Scale
The very first scale I learned was the Blues scale. I remember my cousin gave me a book of guitar scales back in the 90's and that was the first one. Rumor has it the blues scale was invented by the devil to share our feelings of sadness. It contains the root, m3, P4th, Tritone, that's the devil's note, the P5th and the b7th. The secret to mastering a scale is seeing it as a tool to articulate your emotions...not a lifeless shape to finger the g string with. Practice over a drone to absorb the unique flavor of each pitch. Dial in your technique with the metronome once you're comfortable with the shape. Scales aren't just for random noodling, they're actually used in songs! Cream's Sunshine Of Your Love is the perfect example.
2. Major Scale
My piano teacher taught me the major scale back in middle school. Honestly, it sounded like dog sh!t at first. It took me time to realize these sacred notes form the foundation for all western
music. Start with the root, M2nd, M3rd, this is what makes the scale major. The P4th and 5th, M6th is another crucial pitch, and finally the M7th. Let the magic of each frequency seep into your soul by playing this shape over a drone. I got kicked out of my first band because my timing was abysmal. Dial in the major scale pattern by playing one note for each click to the metronome. Van Halen's JUMP uses the C major scale to outline these glorious arpeggios
3. Minor Scale
Now let's be honest, if you're into metal or rock, the minor scale is where it's at. The sad, somber tone of these notes helps me articulate what I can't put into words. It's just like the major scale, except we flat the 3rd, 6th and 7th. Noodle around on the minor scale over a drone and you'll be sobbing in no time muhahaha. Once you establish an emotional connection, fire up your metronome and aim to be as accurate as you can to the beat. One of the greatest guitar riffs ever uses the minor scale. I'm talking about Randy Rhoads, Crazy Train.
⭐️ Now which scale is your favorite? Each scale has something unique to say. Having a strong scale repertoire is like a good vocabulary. It gives you more options to express your inner state. Learn more about music theory and composition with my full masterclass. This is a total game changer!
Got the basic scales down and looking for a new challenge? Check out my full Exotic Scale course below! 👇
🛑TOP 3 EXOTIC SCALES COURSE