Major scale chords are composed of several notes that share specific intervals with one another; typically three notes that are spaced three-thirds apart form the basis of a major chord while two notes that are spaced four-fourths apart can comprise a minor chord.
Visualize how these patterns connect on the fretboard; this will enable you to navigate positions as you play up and down the scale.
A Major Scale
The A major scale is a diatonic scale made up of seven notes and one octave note, typically used to create chord progressions or transpose music between keys. Gaining knowledge of this scale is key to building chords on the fretboard.
As you move through the major scale positions, make note of any root note patterns found within each position to help guide and remember the pattern of the scale. Also pay attention to how each position connects up and down the scale.
In A, the initial sharp is F, located a half step above the last flat (B). You can remember the order of sharps with this mnemonic: Fat Cats Go Down Alleys to Eat Birds.”
G is the second sharp in A, one full step above C#. The starting note in C major scale is also A; thus creating an Ionian mode similar to what the A major scale offers. Practice each pattern on every string by ascending and descending across each fretboard before returning back to your starting point for ascent and descent (ascending and descending). Play these scales slowly for best results as over time they will become automatic.
B Major Scale
The B major scale has five sharps, making it challenging for beginners. But just like with other major scales, there are easy chord progressions you can build off every note in this key – just take your time in learning each note and practice slowly – this way your hands won’t become tight with tightening or missed notes!
The key of B is often associated with joy and positivity, being used in many iconic songs like the Star Spangled Banner and Star Wars’ theme tune. Furthermore, it’s a staple chord used in rock music.
To play the B major scale on guitar, start with B as your starting note and move one fret up until you hit C#, followed by G# and finally F# – until all notes of the scale have been played until reaching F# at the top of your scale.
The easiest chord in B major is an open B chord, which resembles an E shape barre chord with its high strings muted. Other notes from the scale may also be added for other triads or seventh and ninth chords; however, beginners should begin with this simpler form first in order to gain comfort with playing chords without immediately adding complex ones.
C Major Scale
The C Major Scale serves as the basis of many chords, providing beginners with an accessible entry point into building strong foundations for chord playing. Practice of scales also helps players develop finger dexterity needed for chord playback as well as improve recognition of other musical keys and scales.
Scale of Seven Notes in C Major
As part of creating chords, it is necessary to understand intervals. Intervals refer to the distance between adjacent notes in a scale; between C and D there is one whole tone (skip the black key between them) while between E and F there is half tone (count two white keys between them).
As an aid to helping players remember intervals more easily, below is a scale diagram featuring white dots representing open strings while black ones represent fretted notes.
D Major Scale
D major chords can be found throughout popular music. As four-note chords, they feature relatively high voices with chimey overtones and less weighty voices than heavier chords in major scale chords; further, adding seventh notes can extend them into complex triads or 7th chords.
The notes of the D major scale can be seen grouped together in five distinct patterns that span from top to bottom on a fretboard, known as CAGED shapes. These forms correspond with open chord shapes found on guitar, each one containing notes belonging to one major scale position with different intervals between adjacent notes (for instance between notes 1 and 2, it’s half steps, whereas between 3 and 4, its whole steps).
The D major scale is a diatonic scale composed of the notes D, E, F#, G, A, B and C#. Its relative minor key signature is B minor and has two sharps in it. D major is one of the most frequently used keys for singing and guitar playing – its popularity allows you to easily access songs by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Demi Lovato and Bryan Adams for example! Additionally it provides an ideal basis for exploring chords belonging to other minor keys.
E Major Scale
Beginners often begin their studies of music with E major scale as their first key. With only four sharps and three black keys, and using similar fingering patterns as other white key major scales, it is an accessible starting point that’s easy to learn and memorize on both hands.
As part of your efforts in learning the E major scale, practicing both ascending and descending will help develop your ear for each note and position in the scale. A metronome can also help keep rhythm consistent – particularly as a beginner – which will avoid muted notes caused by misplaced fingers.
Be sure to learn each note correctly by practicing fingering each note in both 1st and 3rd position, particularly 3rd. In 3rd, cross your thumb over your third finger for 3rd position playing; remembering which note sharps and flats belong in which key signature (B, E, A, D G C F etc). A useful mnemonic is useful in recalling all sharps and flats of any key signature whether in treble clef or bass clef is provided below for quick recall of correct positions containing sharps/flats regardless of key signature or key signature used.
Once you have mastered the E major scale, experiment with various strumming patterns and techniques such as hammer-ons and pull-offs until you find one that best fits you and that allows you to sound most assured when playing guitar.
F Major Scale
F major is an intimidating chord for beginners as it involves both barre chord and key elements. But there are several easier alternatives and inversions that will allow you to play it without straining your fingers too much.
When learning any scale, practicing it with a drone can be helpful in memorizing each note and hearing how they relate to one another on the fretboard. Furthermore, this helps develop spatial awareness which makes spotting patterns across strings and octaves much simpler.
An additional helpful exercise is practicing playing scales with three notes per string, whether this be on one string or all four strings at once in any part of the fretboard. Doing this will develop muscle memory needed for playing scales on any string at any position on the fretboard.
F Major is an accessible key that’s widely used across popular music styles, lending itself to lively or mysterious compositions alike. By adding chords in F major scale, composers can explore its vast harmonic potential – for instance, adding tonic chord – I (F) can provide stability while subdominant chords – V (C) add tension or anticipation respectively.