These are most useful scales for rock guitarists to blues players. Stevie Ray Vaughan used the blues scale almost entirely. They are essential scales for you know if you want to experience any degree of success, again, you must know them inside and out. To be honest, these charts have been laying around for a while now. I took it out of Guitar World because it is very true.
What struck me the most about these scales, in essence they are the main ones I use too even though they are basically guitar for beginners scales too. It is rare to use a different scale mode. Realistically speaking, there is no reason to know the mass of other scales for the type of music I suggested. The scales themselves can be played all over the neck, but I would rather not confuse you now so lets stick with these patterns.
The words written on the Essential Scale chart are accurate to a tee. Nothing else to say.
Lets clarify how to change the ‘key’ of the particular scale pattern you are using, all of these scales are in the chart are in the key of ‘A’. They start on the fifth fret of the guitar neck as noted (no pun intended) below.
Note: Click the Chart to Enlarge and copy.
We use the fifth fret as a starting point in the scale chart. The key is an ‘A’. The fifth fret up on the low or high ‘E’ string is an ‘A’ note. Simply put, these are movable scales. to put it in terms you understand, using the exact same patterns as in the scale chart, one only needs to use the low ‘E’ string as a reference, then you can see that if you move the scale up 2 frets on the low ‘E’ string to the 8th fret, the scales would then be in the key of ‘B’. Continuing on, go up to the 10th fret and you have the key of ‘D’. So on as you go up and down the neck.
SEE THE ESSENTIAL SCALES CHART:
Note: Click the chart to enlarge and copy.
The black notes are root notes and the key name. The numbers are which fingers to use.
The best and only way to remember the scale patterns is to practice the scales in an effective manner.
Make sure you don’t over do it. It is easy to get lost in the zone and forget about the time. Make sure you practice what I preach by not injuring yourself.
This should cover the scale issue of what are the most important scales. Got a question or comment, post it in the comment area, I will answer questions. Guitar Players Center is committed to helping you become the best guitar player you can be. We have guitar reviews, guitar upgrades and tips, and a lot more. Enjoy.
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4 Comments
I am a newbie to Guitar. I really want to learn how to play the Blues. I live in Santa Monica. Do you have any lessons online that will give a headstart to learning!
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Realistically speaking the starting point is to learn those scales and the essential chords.
The scales to me are the most important thing. I learned a bit different, I was schooled in scales to nth degree and chord construction. I pretty much play what I hear. I never was taught songs. But I know theory well and can play about anything. Lots, lots and more practice for hours a day for lots of years. I think about an hour a day is minimum.
I do read tab, so I would recommend learning to read tab first and them practice the scales in key of A. Learn the essential chords too, get familiar with them and I’ll give you a nice easy slow bluesy piece.
By the way I’m doing the same thing for another reader too. Blues baby.
Thanks for asking, I will deliver,
Solo, I meant to add this also:
It is nice to learn the scale patterns, particularly the A blues pentatonic scale and the A minor pentatonic scale. Those are all pentatonic, because penta means 5 in latin. Learn the patterns in key A or any key and then we can learn how to play any key anywhere!! Same thing with the chords then you can play thousands of songs
Not that hard really.