Review Basics
for definition of whole and half steps and importance of Bert
and Ernie.
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
You might also want
to try starting on a C on another string. Can you find a C on your
B string (2nd string)? Using the same formula above you will end up
with a C major scale one octave higher.
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
Note:
D,G and B notes are open strings.
Note:
Concentrate on using
the correct fingers and saying the note names as you play.
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.
SIGN UP - A fun way to practice
scales is to play along with jam tracks. Become a member for a complete
online guitar method and
learn the 5 most used scale positions every guitarist should know
with jam tracks to practice along with. Plus get
the ultimate 1 hour daily practice routine that will help take the
scales and apply them to real musical situations.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
=
60 (right
click to open in new window)
