• 1. Start on C (3rd fret of A string).
• 2. Go one whole step higher to D (5th fret).
• 3. From D go another whole step to E (7th fret).
• 4. Next a half step. We are on E (Ernie) so the very next fret is F (8th fret).
• 5. Continue following the formula

 1st Position C Major Scale

Playing a scale on one string is a great way to learn the fretboard but not the most efficient way to play a scale. Try a 1st position C major scale.

Start by putting your 3rd finger on low C (3rd fret of your A string). Proceed to follow the alphabet from low to high using the proper 1st position fingers as explained below.

• Index finger looks after notes on the first fret
• Middle finger looks after the second
• Ring looks after the third
• Little finger on the fourth
  Note: the 4th finger is not needed for this scale

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking involves alternating between down and up strokes with the pick.

Practice alternate picking on an open string. When you feel comfortable with the alternate picking proceed to play this scale as marked. Start with a down stroke.



Try to tap your foot as you play. Listen =60
When alternate picking, pick down towards the floor as your foot goes down and back up as your foot raises. Practice tapping your foot and alternate picking on an open string before trying the scale.

Natural Picking

Natural picking is a combination of alternate and sweep picking. Alternate picking is the fastest way to play on one string but sweep picking keeps the pick going in the same direction when crossing strings and sometimes lets us go even faster.



The importance of the pick hand can never be underestimated. Many players tend to concentrate more on the fret hand and believe it is their fret hand that lacks in obtaining the speed they would like to have. 9 times out of 10 it is the picking hand that is the problem. Just ask any violinist how important the bow is. Our pick is no different.