Chords alone don’t make a song, but understanding chord progressions is the key to writing something catchy and melodic. Learn which keys work well with certain types of chords before experimenting until you find one you enjoy using.
Your expert tips will include techniques for memorizing the order of guitar strings as well as any unusual forks in the road, such as those where acoustic and electric strings diverge.
Scales
Scale practice is essential for every guitarist regardless of genre or style they wish to play. Scales are sequences of notes played across the fretboard that help build finger strength and dexterity while familiarizing you with its notes and developing musical ear.
One of the most frequently used guitar scales is the minor pentatonic scale, composed of five notes and used for creating riffs and solos. Beginners find it simple to learn because they do not need to stretch their fingers very far; similarly, major blues scale contains all five notes from minor pentatonic but with flattened fifth note; this variation allows users to create melodies typically associated with blues music.
Dorian mode has an ominous and mournful sound often used in rock and blues music, while Mixolydian mode features jazzy and light tones found in many songs from multiple genres such as Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water”. Fender Play members can take advantage of our beginner guitar scales lesson available free of charge to them to learn these scales as well as many others!