Open Position Major and Minor Scales (PDF)

Description

Scales are the foundation of all Western music. Regardless of style, scales build the framework for every music genre (classical, jazz, rock, blues, pop, etc.). Each genre of music will determine the extent of scale mastery needed for proficiency. However, most guitarists I’ve worked with have skipped the first step to fretboard and harmonic mastery, the open-position major and minor scales.

Begin with the Open Position Major and Minor Scales

Most guitarists begin their scale studies with closed position (not using any open strings) scales. This is useful when moving up and down the fretboard and in transposition. However, few truly understand the notes played other than where the scale’s root begins. This does not build a solid foundation for deep musical learning. It also places a large amount of emphasis on only learning patterns to achieve technical fluency but neglects the greater achievement of musicality. The scales in this book consist of the major and harmonic minor scales. The harmonic minor scale is the source from which the chords for the minor scales are built. It also uses the same fingering ascending and descending facilitating easier learning.

The open-position scales force the guitarist to learn the keys without relying on patterns. Further, if not learned by rote, the open-position scales offer the opportunity to understand each key with cadences building a solid harmonic understanding intellectually and aurally. Finally, integrating visualization begins the use of this important skill for accurate memorization and sight-reading. There is no guitarist who will not benefit from learning the open-position scales.

Best Practices for Scales

The best approach to learning the open-position scales begins with the guitar. Take the first scale, C major, and recite the notes and left-hand fingerings. The frets will usually be the same number as the finger being used with a few exceptions (see the D major scale). The scale should be visualized from memory before playing it on the instrument. When beginning to play it on the guitar, the goal is accuracy and confidence, not speed. Once the scale is learned, technical development can begin. Playing them as quarter notes, eighth notes, triplets, and sixteenth notes while using a metronome will objectively build technical mastery. The right-hand fingering should be chosen based on the player’s choice depending on the use of fingers or with a pick.

Finally, end each scale by playing the cadence indicated. These cadences come from Matteo Carcassi’s Méthode complète pour la guitare, Op. 59. These are standard cadences mostly utilizing the triads. I have given the harmonic number and chord name for each cadence. It is helpful, like the scale, to visualize and memorize the chord names and note names within each chord. This will build awareness of the key currently being played and build the foundation for analysis of future pieces.

Above all, take your time and be thorough in your learning of these open-position scales and cadences. As mentioned earlier, these scales are the least practiced in guitar instruction but offer some of the greatest benefits when mastered. Have fun and happy practicing!

This description is the Introduction to the scale book.