In this beginner guitar lesson, we're going to go over the theory behind the major scale. Music theory can be an intimidating subject for newer guitar players, but in this lesson we will break it down into bite-sized pieces and take it nice and slow.
You may need to review some of the basic fundamentals of music theory to get the most out of this lesson. You'll need a good understanding of the natural musical alphabet, half-steps & whole steps, sharps & flats, and the BC & EF rule.
The Major Scale Formula
The major scale formula is just a series of whole-steps and half-steps. It may sound confusing, but the major scale follows this simple pattern:
Pro Tip: Whole-steps are often represented by the letter W. Half-steps are represented by the letter H.
Key Of G Major
We'll apply this pattern to a key. In this case, the key of G major. We'll start off on a G note.
Pro Tip: There is a sharp or flat between every note in the natural musical alphabet except for B & C and E & F.
Key Of D Major
To help you wrap your head around these concepts we'll try applying the major scale formula to another key. For the key of D major, you'll start on a D note.
Enter your email address below to get Ayla’s free 6 lesson plan and start playing songs on the acoustic guitar in no time!