Scales

The following is the only way that allows players to memorize scales. You shouldn't learn a particular scale but the general configuration or patterns. There is a table that shows the frets (n) where the root of the scales should be placed.

Try first the “Box Position” for a quick learning of the scales. After you master the pentatonic/blues, major and minor scales, try “Toward Harmonic and Melodic” to step gradually from scale to scale.

    The Box Position

    Pentatonic and Blues Scales

    Major Modes

    Toward Harmonic and Melodic

    Harmonic-Minor

    Melodic-Minor

    Symmetric Scales

    Bebop Scales

    Other Scales

    Exotic Scales

In “Some Chords” you will find an easy method to learn most of the extensions of the major, dominant and minor chords. Remember the enharmony (for instance, b5 = #11; #5 = b13) and the “±7 congruence” (2 = 9; 4 = 11; 6 = 13). 

    Some Chords

In the following charts, you will find another method to play Major, Harmonic and Melodic Modes. For many guitarists, it's more comfortable to play three notes/string. Another advantage of this method is that it allows fast crossing from position to position.

    3 by 3 Major Modes

    3 by 3 Harmonic Modes

    3 by 3 Melodic Modes

The modes you'll find inside the scale-charts:

    Major Modes

    Harmonic-Minor Modes

    Melodic-Minor Modes

And here is the correspondence between the standard notation and the tablature:

Standard Notation and Tablature