Chapter 5 – Understanding Scales
A “scale” is a group of notes that are played in succession in ascending or descending order. There are a number of different scales. Each scale has unique characteristics, musical qualities, and note patterns. Practicing and playing scales can be unexciting and tiresome but you can do it. Scales can help make your fingers stronger, improve your ability to learn advanced techniques such as guitar solos and improve hand-eye coordination.
The most basic scale is the chromatic scale.
To begin playing the chromatic scale:
• Start by playing the 6th string “open”
• Take your index finger of your fretting hand and press down the 1st fret on the 6th string. Pluck it again.
• Using the middle finger, press down the 6th string at the 2nd fret and play the 6th string again.
• Utilize the ring finger to press down the 3rd fret and play the 6th string.
• Utilize the pinkie finger to press down the 4th fret and play the 6th string again.
• Continue with these steps with the rest of the strings.
Other scales are the Major Scale and the Minor Pentatonic Scale.
After you have learned notes, chords and scales, you are now ready to play some songs. It is best to slow down and learn a few basic songs first instead of jumping to your favorite songs.
Here are some suggested songs for guitar beginners.
• For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield
• Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan
• Leaving On A Jet Plane by John Denver
The following songs are good for practicing chords:
• The Gambler by Kenny Rogers
• Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison
On top of these songs, there are a few resources that will be useful to you when learning guitar. They are:
1. GuitarNoise.com: Easy Songs for Beginners
2. About.com: Easy Song Tabs, and
3. Gitarrero-Beginner: Easy Guitar Song Collection
5-Part Beginner Guitar Course
Chapter 1 – Basic Guitar Tips
Chapter 2 – Beginner Guitar Basics
Chapter 3 – How To Position And Tune A Guitar
Chapter 4 – Playing Guitar Notes And Chords
Chapter 5 – Understanding Scales
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