v1.

This pack is part of the

Tonetracer reference library.
To download more free guides,
visit tonetracer.com

Thanks for downloading the Tonetracer Scale Hacker Pack reference guide. Here are some quick notes
about the features included in this pack, as well as some general pointers about how the visual design
system works.
1) All the scale material in this pack uses a standard five box system that covers twelve frets.
2) Each of the five box shapes are color coded, along with the modes they unlock using Anchor Points.
3) Because each note is part of two boxes, some scale charts utilize a “split-color” feature to reflect this.
4) There are seven Anchor Points found along the Low-E String within the five boxes. Using these Anchor
Points, the player can easily use these as the “root note” to setup box positions for all seven modes.

Fretted notes are assigned to each

finger for optimal playability. BOX 1 The Box’s name. This label remains
consistent no matter what mode is used.

2 1 2 4 High-E String
1
3 2 4 B String
4 1 3 4 G String

1 3 4 D String

1 2 4 A String

1 2 4 Low-E String
LOCRIAN ANCHOR IONIAN ANCHOR

These are Anchor Points, which are specific root

notes (starting points) used to “unlock” a mode.

There are seven modes built into the natural 7-note major scale. Depending on which note is chosen as the root (or
starting position), the corresponding mode will “unlock,” and feature a unique scale. Each box shape and mode in this
guide uses a specific color for identification. Like chords, the 3rd of each mode’s scale determines if the mode is major
or minor.

MODAL COLOR GUIDE

I ii iii IV V vi vii°
Ionian Dorian Phyrigian Lydian Mixolydian Aeolian Locrian
MAJOR MINOR MINOR MAJOR MAJOR MINOR MINOR
 BOX 1
v1.4

Unlocks Mode: Ionian & Locrian

BOX 2 BOX 4 BOX 1

BOX 1 BOX 3 BOX 5

Natural - 7 Notes per Octave

1 2 4
2 4
1 3 4
1 3 4
1 2 4
1 2 4
LOCRIAN ANCHOR IONIAN ANCHOR

Pentatonic - 5 Notes per Octave

2 4
2 4
1 3
1 4
1 4
2 4
 BOX 2
v1.4

Unlocks Mode: Dorian

BOX 2 BOX 4 BOX 1

BOX 1 BOX 3 BOX 5

Natural - 7 Notes per Octave

1 3 4
1 3 4
1 2 4
1 2 4
1 3
1 3 4
DORIAN ANCHOR

Pentatonic - 5 Notes per Octave

1 3
1 4
1 4
1 3
1 3
1 3
 v1.4

BOX 3
Unlocks Modes: Phrygian & Lydian
BOX 2 BOX 4 BOX 1

BOX 1 BOX 3 BOX 5

Natural - 7 Notes per Octave

1 2 4
1 2 4
1 3
1 3 4
1 3 4
1 2 4
PHRYGIAN ANCHOR LYDIAN ANCHOR

Pentatonic - 5 Notes per Octave

1 4
2 4
1 3
1 3
1 4
1 4
 BOX 4
v1.4

Unlocks Mode: Mixolydian

BOX 2 BOX 4 BOX 1

BOX 1 BOX 3 BOX 5

Natural - 7 Notes per Octave

1 3
1 3 4
1 3 4
1 2 4
1 2 4
2 4
MIXOLYDIAN ANCHOR

Pentatonic - 5 Notes per Octave

2 4
2 4
1 4
1 4
2 4
2 4
 BOX 5
v1.4

Unlocks Mode: Aeolian

BOX 2 BOX 4 BOX 1

BOX 1 BOX 3 BOX 5

Natural - 7 Notes per Octave

1 3 4
1 2 4
1 2 4
1 3
1 3 4
1 3 4
AEOLIAN ANCHOR

Pentatonic - 5 Notes per Octave

1 4
1 4
1 3
1 3
1 3
1 4
 FIVE BOXES
v1.3
THE

More guides at tonetracer.com Anchor Point for natural Major (Ionian) Anchor Point for natural Minor (Aeolian)

Natural/Full Scale - 7 Notes

BOX 5 BOX 2 BOX 4 BOX 1
Unlocks Mode: Aeolian Unlocks Mode: Dorian Unlocks Mode: Mixolydian Unlocks Mode: Ionian & Locrian

Boxes continue descending

BOX 1 BOX 3 BOX 5 Boxes continue ascending
until reaching the bottom of Unlocks Mode: Ionian & Locrian Unlocks Mode: Phrygian & Lydian Unlocks Mode: Aeolian the fretboard until reaching
the fretboard. Any box the sound-hole or neck
divided by the nut will now pickup. Care must be taken
use open strings. Depending when playing as the fret size

Pentatonic Scale - 5 Notes

on the key, some notes will rapidly shrinks horizontally,
no longer be playable. but increases vertically.

BOX 5 BOX 2 BOX 4 BOX 1

BOX 1 BOX 3 BOX 5

Indicates a note that has been removed in the Pentatonic variation.
 v1.4

5 BOX MAP
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Natural 7 Note Scale
BOX 5 BOX 2 BOX 4 BOX 1

BOX 5 BOX 1 BOX 3 BOX 5

This note is This note is

part of box 5. part of box 1.

Every individual note is part of

two boxes. Each box shape is
color coded, with each note split
in halves to indicate which boxes
it belongs in.

Represents the default

anchor point for playing
in a major key (Ionian)

Represents the default

anchor point for playing
in a minor key (Aeolian)
BOX 1 BOX 4
 v1.4

PENTATONIC BOXES
WITH BLUE NOTES
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These are the five box shapes using only the 5

note pentatonic scale, with the added blue
notes. When playing in a major mode, each of 2 4
these notes are a flat 3, while in a minor mode 2 4
they become a flat 5.
1 3
Represents the added blue notes 1 4
Represents the default anchor point 1 4
for playing in a major key (Ionian) 2 4
Represents the default anchor point
for playing in a minor key (Aeolian) BOX 1
1 3 1 4
1 4 2 4
1 4 1 3
1 3 1 3
1 3 1 4
1 3 1 4

BOX 2 BOX 3
2 4 1 4
2 4 1 4
1 4 1 3
1 4 1 3
2 4 1 3
2 4 1 4

BOX 4 BOX 5
 BOX 1 BOX 3 BOX 5

v1.4

BLUE NOTES
Get more guides at
Major: 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 7
tonetracer.com
Minor: 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7

BOX 5 BOX 2 BOX 4 BOX 1

BOX 5 BOX 1 BOX 3 BOX 5

This guide shows how the

blue notes are added to the
five scale boxes. When playing
Box has been
extended to
in a major key, each of these
accommodate notes are a b3, while in a
added blue minor key they become a b5.
note.

Represents the
added 3 or 5 notes

Represents the default

Box has been
extended to
anchor point for playing
accommodate in a major key (Ionian)
added blue
notes.
Represents the default
anchor point for playing
in a minor key (Aeolian)
BOX 1 BOX 4
 Ionian
v1.4
I W
ii W
iii H
IV W
V W
vi W
vii ° H

The following example shows box positions for A Ionian:

1·2·3·4·5·6·7
BOX 5 BOX 2 BOX 4

TIP: Box 1 can set box

BOX 3
positions for Ionian &

BOX 1
Locrian. Make sure to use
the correct anchor point! Ionian is the default mode for any song (or
progression) in a major key. Because of the Major
1 2 4 3rd scale degree, Ionian is a Major Mode. All other

Ge
m

t
or
modes are created from the Ionian Mode. A new eg com
uid e cer.
2 4 modal scale is crafted by choosing a different starting s at to n e t r a

point and maintaining the same whole/half step pattern.

1 3 4 Below are three examples using the key of A Major (A Ionian):
1 3 4 A IONIAN +1 Octave A IONIAN
1 2 4 A Bm C#m D E F#m G #° A Bm C#m D E F#m G #°
1 2 4
B DORIAN Building a new 7 note scale
IONIAN ANCHOR
starting with the 2nd scale degree
Bm C#m D E F#m G #° A results in the Dorian Mode.
How to set box positions for Ionian:
1) Identify the key of your song or progression. D LYDIAN Building a new 7 note scale
starting with the 4th scale degree
2) Locate the key’s root note on the low E string.* D E Fm #
G°#
A Bm Cm#
results in the Lydian Mode.
3) Place Box 1 using its anchor point on the root.
4) All other boxes connect as normal. Building a new 7 note scale starting with the F# AEOLIAN
6th scale degree results in the Aeolian Mode.
*The Example above shows the box positions for A Ionian. This is also known as the “Relative Minor.” F#m G #° A Bm C#m D E
 Dorian
v1.4
i W
ii H
III W
IV W
v W
vi ° H
VII W

The following example shows box positions for A Dorian:

1·2· b 3·4·5· 6 · b 7
BOX 1 BOX 3 BOX 5

BOX 4

BOX 2 Dorian features a flat 3rd scale degree,

which makes it a minor mode. To
1 3 4 understand Dorian’s sound, it’s more

Ge
m

t
or
effective to compare it to Aeolian (the eg com
1 3 4 uid e cer.
natural minor scale). Aeolian’s flat 6th degree s a t t o n e t ra
is now raised to a Major 6th:
1 2 4
1 2 4 AEOLIAN: DORIAN:

1 3
1·2· b 3·4·5· b 6· b 7 1·2· b 3·4·5·6· b 7
1 3 4 Once the 6th scale degree has been altered, the diatonic chords built from
the scale are also modified. Below is an example of how Dorian has changed
DORIAN ANCHOR
the diatonic chords of natural A minor (indicated by ).
How to set box positions for Dorian:
A AEOLIAN 1·2·b3·4·5·b6·b7
1) Identify the key of your song or progression.
2) Locate the key’s root note on the low E string.*
Am B° C Dm Em F G
3) Place Box 2 using its anchor point on the root.
AEOLIAN
A DORIAN 1·2·b3·4·5·6·b7
4) All other boxes connect as normal.
*The Example above shows the box positions for A Dorian. Am Bm C D Em F#° G
 Phrygian
v1.4
i H
II W
III W
iv W
v ° H
VI W
vii W

The following example shows box positions for A Phrygian:

1· b2 · b 3·4·5· b 6· b 7
BOX 2 BOX 4 BOX 1

TIP: Box 3 can set box BOX 5

BOX 3
positions for Phrygian &
Lydian. Make sure to use
the correct anchor point!
Phrygian features a minor 3rd scale
degree, which makes it a minor mode.
1 2 4 To understand Phrygian’s sound, it’s

Ge
m

t
or
more effective to compare it to Aeolian eg com
1 2 4 uid e cer.
(the natural minor scale). Aeolian’s natural s a t t o n e t ra
2nd degree is now flattened a half step.
1 3
1 3 4 AEOLIAN: PHRYGIAN:
1·2· b 3·4·5· b 6· b 7 1· b 2· b 3·4·5· b 6· b 7
1 3 4
1 2 4 Once the 2nd scale degree has been altered, the diatonic chords built from
the scale are also modified. Below is an example of how Phrygian has
PHRYGIAN ANCHOR changed the diatonic chords of natural A minor (indicated by ).
How to set box positions for Phrygian:
A AEOLIAN 1·2·b3·4·5·b6·b7
1) Identify the key of your song or progression.
2) Locate the key’s root note on the low E string.* Am B° C Dm Em F G
3) Place Box 3 using its anchor point on the root.
AEOLIAN
A PHRYGIAN 1·b2·b3·4·5·b6·b7
4) All other boxes connect as normal.
*The Example above shows the box positions for A Phrygian. Am Bb C Dm E° F Gm
 Lydian
v1.4
I W
II W
iii W
iv ° H
V W
vi W
vii H

The following example shows box positions for A Lydian:

1·2·3· #4 ·5·6·7
BOX 2 BOX 4 BOX 1

TIP: Box 3 can set box BOX 5

BOX 3
positions for Phrygian &
Lydian. Make sure to use
the correct anchor point!
Lydian features a major 3rd scale
degree, which makes it a major mode.
1 2 4 To understand Lydian’s sound, it’s more

Ge
m

t
or
effective to compare it to Ionian (the eg com
1 2 4 uid e cer.
natural major scale). Ionian’s natural 4th scale s a t t o n e t ra
degree is now sharpened a half step up.
1 3
1 3 4 IONIAN: LYDIAN:

1 3 4
1·2·3·4·5·6·7 1·2·3· # 4·5·6·7
1 2 4 Once the 4th scale degree has been altered, the diatonic chords built from
the scale are also modified. Below is an example of how Lydian has changed
LYDIAN ANCHOR the diatonic chords of A Major (indicated by ).
How to set box positions for Lydian:
A IONIAN 1·2·3·4·5·6·7
1) Identify the key of your song or progression.
2) Locate the key’s root note on the low E string.* A Bm C#m D E F#m G#°
3) Place Box 3 using its anchor point on the root.
AEOLIAN
A LYDIAN 1·2·3·#4·5·6·7
4) All other boxes connect as normal.
*The Example above shows the box positions for A Lydian. A B C#m D#° E F#m G#m
 v1.4

Mixolydian
I W
ii W
iii ° H
IV W
v W
vi H
VII W

The following example shows box positions for A Mixolydian:

1·2·3·4·5·6· b7
BOX 3 BOX 5 BOX 2

BOX 1

BOX 4 Mixolydian features a major 3rd scale

degree, which makes it a major mode.
1 3 To understand Mixolydian’s sound, it’s

Ge
m

t
or
more effective to compare it to Ionian (the com
1 3 4 natural major scale). Ionian’s major 7th
eg
uid e
s a t t o n e t ra
cer.

degree is now flattened a half step down.

1 3 4
1 2 4 IONIAN: MIXOLYDIAN:

1 2 4 1·2·3·4·5·6·7 1·2·3·4·5·6· b 7
2 4 Once the 7th scale degree has been altered, the diatonic chords built from
the scale are also modified. Below is an example of how Mixolydian has
MIXOLYDIAN ANCHOR
changed the diatonic chords of A Major (indicated by ).
How to set box positions for Mixolydian:
A IONIAN 1·2·3·4·5·6·7
1) Identify the key of your song or progression.
2) Locate the key’s root note on the low E string.* A Bm C#m D E F#m G#°
3) Place Box 4 using its anchor point on the root.
AEOLIAN
A MIXOLYDIAN 1·2·3·4·5·6·#7
4) All other boxes connect as normal.
*The Example above shows the box positions for A Mixolydian. A Bm C #° D Em F#m G
 v1.4

Aeolian
i W
ii° H
III W
iv W
v H
VI W
VII W

The following example shows box positions for A Aeolian:

1·2· b 3·4·5· b 6· b 7
BOX 4 BOX 1 BOX 3

BOX 2

BOX 5 Aeolian features a flat 3rd scale degree,

which makes it a minor mode. Aeolian is
1 3 4 also known as the natural minor mode.

Ge
When compared to the natural major mode m

t
or
eg com
1 2 4 (Ionian), it features dramatic added tension uid e cer.
s a t t o n e t ra
due to the altered flat 3rd, flat 6th, and flat 7th
1 2 4 scale degrees.

1 3 IONIAN: AEOLIAN:

1 3 4 1·2·3·4·5·6·7 1·2· b 3·4·5· b 6· b 7

The modes of Aeolian and Ionian are known as “parallel modes” when the same root
1 3 4 note is shared. Example: A minor and A Major are parallel keys. Once the 3rd, 6th, and
AEOLIAN ANCHOR 7th scale degrees are flattened, all the diatonic chords of the resulting minor key will
change (as indicated by the below).
How to set box positions for Aeolian:
A IONIAN 1·2·3·4·5·6·7
1) Identify the key of your song or progression.
2) Locate the key’s root note on the low E string.*
A Bm C #m D E F #m G#°
3) Place Box 5 using its anchor point on the root.
AEOLIAN
A AEOLIAN PARALLEL MINOR 1·2·b3·4·5·b6·b7
4) All other boxes connect as normal.
*The Example above shows the box positions for A Aeolian. Am B° C Dm Em F G
 Locrian
v1.4
i ° H
II W
iii W
iv H
V W
VI W
vii W

1· b 2 · b 3·4· b 5 · b 6· b 7
The following example shows box positions for A Locrian:

BOX 5 BOX 2 BOX 4

TIP: Box 1 can set box BOX 3

positions for Ionian &

BOX 1
Locrian. Make sure to use
the correct anchor point! Locrian features a flat 3rd scale degree,
which makes it a minor mode. Locrian
includes Aeolian’s flat 3rd, 6th, and 7th.
1 2 4

Ge
However, is also adds Phrygian’s flat 2nd m

t
or
eg com
2 4 and a flat 5th scale degree. uid e cer.
s a t t o n e t ra
Warning: This causes an extreme amount of
1 3 4 unresolvable dissonance.

1 3 4 AEOLIAN: LOCRIAN:
1·2· b 3·4·5· b 6· b 7 1· b 2· b 3·4· b 5· b 6· b 7
1 2 4
Defining the half diminished chord, Locrian is the only mode that features a flat 5th
1 2 4 scale degree. It is extremely rare to find Locrian used in traditional music, and is
LOCRIAN ANCHOR generally avoided in composition. Below is an example of how A Locrian modifies
the diatonic chords of A Aeolian (indicated by ).
How to set box positions for Aeolian: AEOLIAN
A AEOLIAN 1·2·b3·4·5·b6·b7
1) Identify the key of your song or progression.
2) Locate the key’s root note on the low E string.*
Am B° C Dm Em F G
3) Place Box 1 using its anchor point on the root.
AEOLIAN
A LOCRIAN 1·b2·b3·4·b5·b6·b7
4) All other boxes connect as normal.
*The Example above shows the box positions for A Locrian. A° Bb Cm Dm Eb F Gm
 v1.4

HARMONIC
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MINOR
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
BOX 5 BOX 2 BOX 4 BOX 1

BOX 1 BOX 3 BOX 5

BOX 5
This guide shows how the 5
boxes are connected to create
the Harmonic Minor scale. This
scale is identical to Aeolian
(natural minor) except the 7th
degree is natural and no longer
minor.

BOX 1 BOX 4
Represents a previous minor
(flat) 7th degree from the
Aeolian (Natural Minor) mode.

Represents a modified natural

7th degree to create the
Harmonic Minor scale.