What is a scale?

A scale is a pattern of notes going up or down from a given starting note ending on the same note an
octave away. Two important features of scales is that they can be used to play melodies, and their
notes can be combined to create chords.

There are many different types of scales (major, minor, pentatonic etc.). Each scale type is made
using a specific pattern of intervals. Even though there are 12 keys, the notes for each scale type are
always arranged the same way. Confused? That’s ok. For now let’s start learning how to play some
scales.

How to read the scale diagrams

A scale diagram shows you a section of your guitar neck, and the locations of the notes you need to
play. Some diagrams are horizontal and some are vertical, but they tell you the same information. I
have used all horizontal diagrams in this book. I have also labelled the note names, with root notes
in red. Scales are usually practiced from the lowest note to the highest, them back down again. Fret
numbers are often written for scales that are higher up the neck.

The images below should help.

Scale diagram:

Guitar neck:

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