Diatonic Scales:

Diatonic scales consist of 7 individual notes. Each note is considered a scale step.

C Major scale: C D E F G A B

scale steps:    1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Whole Steps & Half Steps:

Whole steps and half steps are the building blocks of the diatonic scales. A whole step spans 2 frets, and a half step spans 1 fret.

Scale Formulas:

The formulas for the diatonic scales such as the Major and minor scales consist of whole steps and half steps. This means that the distance between each scale step is either a half step (1 fret), or a whole step (2 frets)

Major scale formula: W W H W W W H

minor scale formula: W H W W H W W

(W = whole step H = half step)

Each scale has it's own unique formula, and because of this, its own unique sound.

The Major Scale:

When studying music theory, it is important to start with the Major scale. It will be used as a reference point from which to understand all other scales.

Scale Patterns::

In the video the 1st example shows a scale being played on 1 string. This is done for the purpose of clearly illustrating the formula of half steps and whole steps. In actual use though it is more practical to play the scale in a pattern that utilizes all strings within a particular area, or position on the guitar.

Suggested Practice::

- Practice playing the Major scale formula from any note, along a single string