Scales

A set of notes ordered by pitch, defined by their interval formula from the root.

The Idea

Scales define the note palette for a key. Knowing each scale degree’s position lets you target chord tones and build intentional melodies. See Tetrachords and Modes for how scales are constructed and transformed.

On the Fretboard

Scales by Interval

Scale	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Major (Ionian)	Root	M2	M3	P4	P5	M6	M7
Natural Minor	Root	M2	m3	P4	P5	m6	m7
Major Pent	Root	M2	M3	—	P5	M6	—
Minor Pent	Root	—	m3	P4	P5	—	m7
Blues	Root	—	m3	P4	d5	P5	m7
Dorian	Root	M2	m3	P4	P5	M6	m7
Phrygian	Root	m2	m3	P4	P5	m6	m7
Lydian	Root	M2	M3	A4	P5	M6	M7
Mixolydian	Root	M2	M3	P4	P5	M6	m7

Pentatonic

Major/minor pentatonic removes the 4th and 7th. The root (red dot in diagrams) is the tonal center.

How to make it musical:

1. Know roots, 3rds, 5ths, and 7ths
2. Target chord tones
3. Bend strategically: 5th for first phrase, flat 3rd for blues, flat 7th bent to root
4. Add slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs for feel

Exercises

• Play a scale up and back, calling out each scale degree
• Play along with a drone in a given key: Drone Tool
• See Sequences for structured scale practice patterns

Related

• Modes
• Tetrachords
• Sequences
• Intervals