Scale Test Two: Open Position G Major Scale Guitar

In the previous post, I discussed the importance of open position scales. The majority of guitarists overlook the open-position scales. Beginning with these scales ensures a comprehensive understanding of the entire instrument. This post demonstrates the open position G major scale and E harmonic minor scales. These are my public jury for the virtual doctorate I am working towards.

Open Position G Major Scale

In each post concerning these scales, I want to present the scales and fingerings played. This is the basic G major scale that even the utter beginning guitarists should know. It allows the learning of the key of G major in the open position. Regardless of playing style or genre, this should be known. Each of the scales needs to be practiced with i/m, i/a, and m/a right-hand fingerings with rest and free strokes. Also, each scale should conclude with the cadential chord progression. This builds a foundation of harmonic movement within the key played. It also teaches you the basic open-position chords.

E Harmonic Minor Scale

The special note in this scale is the added D-sharp on strings 4 and 1. This gives a leading tone for the E note of the scale. Once you play a harmonic minor scale it is difficult to play a natural minor scale with the same enthusiasm.

Video Of Required Scales

In the video, I am playing each scale with each of the required fingerings both rest and free stroke. I end the scales with the playing of the chord progression.

Wrap Up

That will do it for this post. I’ll continue to share each of the scales as I record them. I think it might be important for those who want to have them separated into different posts and videos. It may take more time for me to write and record, but I hope it will be helpful to some.

Open Position Major and Minor Scales (PDF)

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Most guitarists I’ve worked with have skipped the first step to fretboard and harmonic mastery, the open-position major and minor scales. This PDF contains all 24 major and minor keys with cadences.

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Category: Scales, Supplemental Materials

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Chadwick Becks

I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.