7 Essential Guitar Scales

Table of Contents
7 MUST-KNOW GUITAR SCALES ...........................................................3

WHY ONLY TWO SCALE SHAPES? .........................................................4
MINOR PENTATONIC SCALE.................................................................6
MAJOR PENTATONIC SCALE............................................................... 15
MAJOR SCALE .................................................................................... 24
NATURAL MINOR SCALE .................................................................... 33
MELODIC MINOR SCALE .................................................................... 41
HARMONIC MINOR SCALE ................................................................. 50
HARMONIC MAJOR SCALE ................................................................. 59
WHERE TO GO NEXT .......................................................................... 68
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7 Must-Know Guitar Scales
Guitarists love scales, we really do.
There’s something about learning a new scale, working scales patterns, and flying
across the neck in our scale-based solos that’s just plain fun.
While you may love to play scales, or know you should be learning to play scales,
it’s often tough to know exactly which scales to learn.
There are endless scales, Ionian, Aeolian, MixoCanadian…the list never ends.
Because of this, I’ve collected 7 must-know scales for you to learn, memorize, and
add to your solos in different musical situations.
These scales are the most popular scales used in modern music, with one
exception which I added in just for fun.
Each scale is presented with two fingerings, a scale pattern to build your chops,
and a soloing workout over a backing track.
Oh, and you learn how to build each scale from a theory standpoint along the
way.
Everything you need to understand, learn, memorize, and improvise with these
must-know scales is in this lesson.
So, enough talk, time to have fun diving into these 7 essential scales in the
practice room!
Why Only Two Scale Shapes?
As you work on the scales in this lesson, you notice that I only give you two
shapes for each scale.
Now, you’re probably thinking, “But Matt, there are at least 5 patterns for this
scale, and probably 50 I could learn, what gives?”
Well, I can tell you that I’ve learned a ton of scales over the years and have found
that many of those shapes exist in theory but aren’t practical in your playing.
For me, I learn one scale shape to start, then I go deep with that scale in my
studies.
I work it in 12 keys, run scale patterns through that shape, and solo with that
scale shape in as many ways as I can think of.
From there, I ask myself, “Can I do what I want/need to with this one position, or
do I feel like I’m missing something?”
If I feel I’m cool with that one shape, I don’t waste time learning any more shapes
for that particular scale right now.
If I feel like I need another position to get the sounds in my head onto the
fretboard, then I learn a second position.
When I’m done exploring that second shape, I ask myself that same question and
move forward from there.
There are countless fingerings you can learn for any scale and believe me I’ve
learned all of them over the years.
But, there’s only so much time in the day, so you want to spend your practice
time getting right to the point.
Learning 12 fingerings for a scale only to realize that you only need 1-2 shapes to
get the sounds in your head on the fretboard can be very frustrating.
So, instead of having a frustrating experience, learn from my mistakes and dig
into one scale shape at a time.
If you feel you need more, great, add one more.
If you feel you’re good with 1 shape, great, stick with that one.
To conclude this little spiel, I’ll leave you with my favorite quote from jazz guitarist
Jim Hall.
When asked about how to learn the seemingly endless list of musical devices
needed to play jazz guitar he responded:
“I’d rather learn one shape that I can apply to 1000 situations, than learn 1000
shapes that I can apply to one situation.”
Damn Jim, heavy.
Minor Pentatonic Scale
To begin your study of these essential scales, you learn about the most commonly
used and important scale in modern music, the minor pentatonic scale.
This scale is used in rock, pop, blues, folk, funk, jazz, and more, and you’ve heard
it a million, trillion, brazillion, times in riffs, licks, and guitar solos.
Meaning, this scale gets used all over the place, making it essential for any
guitarist to learn, memorize, and add to your own guitar solos.
The exercises in this section teach you how to:
• Build the minor pentatonic scale.

• Play this essential scale on guitar.
• Increase your guitar technique and coordination.
• Solo with this scale over a 12-bar blues.
• And more!
Time to get started. Go to the next section and dig into learning how to build,
play, and solo with this scale all over the fretboard.
How to Build a Minor Pentatonic Scale
For many players, knowing how a scale is built helps them to use that scale in
their writing and soloing more effectively.
Because of this, you begin your studies of the minor pentatonic by learning two
different ways to build this scale.
If this theory doesn’t make a whole lot of sense right now, no problem.
Read this section, turn the page upside down, turn it sideways, scratch your head,
then learn the scale shapes and exercises below.
Return to this section over time as your theory chops catch up to your playing
skills.
Remember, play first, theory later, especially if you’re struggling with a theoretical
concept.
Never let confusing theory hold you back from playing and jamming on a concept.
As I mentioned above, there are two ways to build the minor pentatonic scale.
The first is to think about the intervals above the root for each note, and the
second is to think about the distance between notes.
The interval pattern up from the root for the minor pentatonic scale is:
Root-b3-4-5-b7-Root
As well, you can think of the distance between each note when building this 5-
note scale.
When doing so, you get the following formula.
Root – Minor 3rd – Tone – Tone – Minor 3rd – Tone
On the fretboard, a tone is two frets apart, so from frets 1 to 3 on any string for
example.
A minor 3rd is 3 frets apart, so from frets 1 to 4 on any string for example.
Here’s an example of an A minor pentatonic scale with the interval names below
each note.
Play this example, memorize one or both ways to build this scale, and when
ready, head to the playing exercises below.
How to Play the Minor Pentatonic Scale
You’re now ready to play the minor pentatonic scale on guitar.
Here are two must-know minor pentatonic scale fingerings to learn, play in as
many keys as possible, and memorize in your studies.
Here are some tips on how to best learn this scale in the practice room.
• Learn 1 position and say the finger numbers out loud to help with memory.
• Play in the written key until memorized.
• Work in all 12 keys in this order – C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, B, E, A, D, G
• Say the root note of the scale as you play each shape in a new key.
• Sing along with each scale for extra ear training.
• Say each note in the scale as you play, only if possible or a goal for you.
• Use a metronome when playing either scale shape in each key.
• Use different rhythms once you are comfortable with one note per click.
• Repeat with the 2nd minor pentatonic scale shape.
• Have fun!
Now that you know how to learn these two minor pentatonic scale shapes it’s
time to take them to the fretboard and have some practice room fun!
Minor Pentatonic Scale Workout
You’re now ready for the minor pentatonic scale workout, where you apply the
123, 234, etc. scale pattern to this 6th-string root shape.
This pattern is called 123 because you play the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd notes of the scale,
then skip down and play the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th notes etc.
This is one of the most commonly used and essential scale patterns in modern
music, so it’s used with every scale in this lesson.
After you can play this pattern in a number of keys from the 6 th string, apply this
pattern to the 5th-string shape to take it further in your studies.
If that’s too big of a challenge at this point, applying this pattern to the 5 th-string
shape, no worries.
Focus on the 6th string until you’re ready to apply this pattern to the second scale
shape in your studies.
Here are tips on how to get the most out of this scale pattern in your minor
pentatonic scale workout.
• Work on your own until you’re ready for a metronome.

• Add a metronome and focus on smoothness not tempo.
• Speed comes with time, so start as slow as possible.
• Sing along for added ear training.
• Take this pattern to other keys when ready.
• Use the cycle to work all 12 keys, C-F-Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-B-E-A-D-G
• If you’re ready for a challenge, apply this pattern to the 5th-string shape.
• Take this pattern to your guitar solos in the next section.
• Have fun!
Now that you know how to practice this minor pentatonic scale pattern, grab your
guitar, turn on your metronome, and dive in!
How to Solo with the Minor Pentatonic Scale
You’re now ready to solo with the minor pentatonic scale over the 12-bar blues
progression in the key of A.
The minor pentatonic scale is used to solo over just about any chord and chord
progression you’ll come across, including the A blues below.
This is one of the main reasons this scale is so popular with guitarists, it’s
extremely versatile and will sound good just about anywhere in your playing.
In this exercise, you solo with the A minor pentatonic scale over an A 12-bar blues
progression, which uses the chords A7, D7, and E7.
Here are tips to get the most out of this soloing exercise.
• Review the 6th-string scale shape.

• Put on the backing track.
• Solo with the A minor pentatonic scale over the whole track.
• Leave space, add rhythms, add bends/slides/hammers/pull-offs etc.
• Take chances, experiment, make mistakes, and let loose.
• Record your solo, listen back, make notes on what to improve, and repeat.
• Don’t worry about playing a “perfect” solo, focus on the act of soloing.
• Repeat with 5th string shape, then combine both shapes in your solos.
• Have fun and scare the neighbors!
Now that you know how to solo with the minor pentatonic scale, grab your
favorite axe, crank your amp, and let ‘er rip!
Major Pentatonic Scale
The second scale in this lesson is a close cousin to the minor pentatonic scale, it’s
the major pentatonic scale.
Major pentatonic isn’t quite as versatile as the minor pentatonic, yet it’s still used
in a ton of riffs, licks, and solos in many modern music genres.
You can hear this scale being used by jazz, country, blues, fusion, rock, and pop
guitarists over major chords and major key chord progressions.
There are “fingering tricks” that you can use to quickly learn this scale related to
the minor pentatonic scale shapes you just worked on.
But, to separate this scale in your head, and learn how to hear this as a unique
scale sound, learning two new shapes for this scale is the way to go.
Over time you’ll learn tricks and shortcuts to get this, and other, scales in your
playing.
The shapes in this section build the groundwork for those shortcuts as you
explore and internalize this scale in your playing.
• Build the major pentatonic scale.

• Play this important scale on guitar.
• Level up your right and left-hand chops with this scale.
• Solo with major pentatonic over major key progressions.
• And more!
Time to get started. Head to the next section and learn how to build this essential
scale in your studies.
How to Build a Major Pentatonic Scale
Here are two ways that you can use to build the major pentatonic scale in any
key.
Remember, play first, theory later.
If this theory is fuzzy, don’t let it prevent you from learning to play and solo with
this scale.
Playing any musical concept is the fastest way to get that sound in your ears and
fingers, from there the theory is much easier to understand.
There are two ways to build the major pentatonic scale, intervals from the root
and intervals between each note in the scale.
The interval from the root pattern for the major pentatonic scale is:
Root-2-3-5-6-Root
You can also use the interval distance between each note to build this 5-note
scale.
Root – Tone – Tone – Minor 3rd – Tone – Minor 3rd
example.
As well, a minor 3rd is 3 frets apart, so from frets 1 to 4 on any string for example.
Here’s an A major pentatonic scale, one octave, with the interval names written
below each note.
Play this A major pentatonic scale, memorize one or both formulae, and when
How to Play the Major Pentatonic Scale
You’re now ready to play the major pentatonic scale on guitar in all 12 keys.
Here are two of my favorite major pentatonic fingerings to learn, memorize, and
add to your guitar soloing vocabulary.
Before you start, here are tips on how to best learn the major pentatonic scale.
• Learn 1 position, say the finger numbers to help with memory.

• Play in 1 key until memorized.
• Work in 12 keys with this order – C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, B, E, A, D, G
• Say the key name as you play the scale in a new key.
• Say each note in the scale it if possible and if this is a goal for you.
• Use a metronome to work on rhythm and technique.
• Learn the 2nd major pentatonic scale position and repeat.
• Have fun!
Now that you know how to learn these major pentatonic scale shapes it’s time to
get them onto the fretboard!
Major Pentatonic Scale Workout
You now tackle the major pentatonic scale workout, where you apply the 123,
234, etc. scale pattern to this 6th-string root shape.
After you can play this scale pattern comfortably from the 6th string, apply this
pattern to the 5th-string scale shape.
Here are a few handy tips to get the most out of this scale pattern workout.

• Add in a metronome and focus on smoothness not tempo.
• Speed will come with time, start as slow as possible.
• Sing along for an extra ear training workout.
• Take this scale pattern to other keys when ready.
• Use the cycle to work in every key, C-F-Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-B-E-A-D-G
• If you’re up for a challenge, apply this pattern to the 5th-string shape.
• Use this pattern in your guitar solos in the next section.
• Have fun!
Now that you know how to learn this major pentatonic scale pattern, grab your
guitar, get out your metronome, and dive in!
How to Solo with the Major Pentatonic Scale
After learning how to build the major pentatonic scale, how to play it on guitar,
and working the scale pattern, you’re ready to add this scale to your solos.
The major pentatonic scale is used to solo over major key chord progressions,
such as the G major progression below.
In this exercise, you solo with the G major pentatonic scale over G, Em, C, D7, and
Bm chords, a common pop/rock progression that uses this scale.
Here are tips to get the most out of this major pentatonic soloing exercise.
• Review the 6th-string major pentatonic scale shape.

• Solo with the G major pentatonic scale over the whole track.
• Take chances, experiment, make mistakes, and go for it.
• Record your solo, listen back, make notes, and repeat.
• Don’t worry about playing the world’s best solo, focus on the act of soloing.
• Review the 5th string shape and repeat, then combine both in your solos.
• Have fun and channel your inner guitar hero!
Now that you know how to work this major pentatonic scale soloing exercise,
grab your favorite guitar, crank the backing track, and have a blast!
Major Scale
In this section, you learn about the most used scale in all of music history, the
major scale.
The major scale has been used in classical music since forever, and you can hear it
in the playing of country, jazz, rock, pop, guitarists, just to name a few genres.
Because this scale has been around for ages, and still gets used today, it’s an
essential scale to have under your fingers and in your ears as a guitarist.
The exercises in this section teach you:
• How to build the major scale.

• How to play the major scale on guitar.
• How to build your major scale technique.
• How to solo with the major scale.
• And more!
So, time to get started. Head to the next section to learn how to build this
essential scale.
How to Build a Major Scale
Before you learn how to play and solo with this scale, take a minute to
understand how to build the major scale.
Remember, play first, theory later, especially if you’re stalled on a theoretical

concept, don’t let that hold you back from playing and jamming on a concept.
As is the case with any scale, there are two ways to build the major scale.
The first is to think about the intervals up from the root note, and the second is to
think about the interval distance between notes.
The interval pattern for the major scale is:
Root-2-3-4-5-6-7-Root
As well, you can use the interval distance between each note to build this 7-note
scale.
When doing so, you get the following intervals.
Root – Tone – Tone – Minor 2nd – Tone – Tone – Tone – Minor 2nd
example.
A minor 2nd is 1 fret apart, so from frets 1 to 2 on any string for example.
Here’s an example of a C major scale with the interval names below each note.
Play through this C major scale, memorize either formulae when building this
scale. Then, when ready, head to the playing exercises below.
How to Play the Major Scale
You’re now ready to play the major scale on guitar using two of my absolute
favorite shapes for playing this scale.
There are more ways to play the major scale on guitar than you can imagine, and
many guitarists get lost down that rabbit hole in the practice room.
Remember, it’s not how many shapes you know that matters, it’s how you use
the shapes you know that counts.
Great players can build entire careers off one or two shapes, so learn one at a
time and only add more shapes if needed.
Here are tips on how to best learn the major scale in your studies.
• Learn 1 position, say the finger numbers as you play.

• Play in the written key until the shape is memorized.
• Work all 12 keys in this order – C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, B, E, A, D, G
• Say the root note as you play each shape in a new key.
• Sing along with each major scale for added ear training.
• Say each note in the major scale if possible.
• Use a metronome when playing the major scale in each key.
• Use different rhythms once you’re comfortable with one note per click.
• Learn the 2nd shape and repeat.
• Have fun!
Now that you know how to learn these major scale shapes it’s time to take them
to the fretboard and have some fun!
Major Scale Workout
Here, you build your chops with a major scale workout, where you apply the 123,
234, etc. scale pattern to the 6th-string root shape.
After you can play this pattern without sweating from the 6th string, run this
pattern over the 5th-string shape to take it a step further.
Here are tips on how to get the most out of this scale pattern workout.
• Go slow, very slow, to start.

• Add a slow metronome and focus on smoothness not tempo.
• Take the pattern to other keys when ready.
• Use the cycle to work 12 keys, C-F-Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-B-E-A-D-G
• Add this pattern into your guitar solos in the next section.
• Have fun!
Now that you know how to practice this major scale pattern, grab your guitar,
turn on your metronome, and dive in!
How to Solo with the Major Scale
Now comes the fun part, soloing with the major scale fingerings and scale
patterns you just learned.
The major scale is used to solo over major key chord progressions, such as the C
major progression below.
In this exercise you solo with the C major scale to Dm7, G7, Cmaj7, Am7, and Em7
chords, a common pop/jazz chord grouping.
Here are tips to get the most out of this major scale soloing exercise.

• Solo with the C major scale over the whole track.
• Record yourself soloing, listen back, make notes, and repeat.
• Review the 6th string major scale shape and repeat.
• Combine both 6th and 5th-string shapes in your solos when ready.
• Have fun!
Now that you know how to solo with the major scale, grab your favorite axe,
crank your amp, and let ‘er rip!
Natural Minor Scale
In this section, you learn all about the most popular minor scale, the natural
minor scale, also referred to as the Aeolian mode.
The natural minor scale is used in classical music, and in solos and riffs by metal,
rock, pop, and country guitarists, among others.
Because this scale is a go-to for many players in different genres, it’s an essential
minor scale to have under your fingers and in your ears.
• Construct the natural minor scale.

• Play the natural minor scale on guitar.
• Level up your guitar technique with this scale.
• Solo with the natural minor scale.
• And more!
Time to get going. Head to the next section to start your study of the natural
minor scale as you learn how to build this essential sound.
How to Build a Natural Minor Scale
understand how this scale is built.
As always, play first, theory later, don’t let a theory road bump derail your
progress and enjoyment in the practice room.
There are two ways to build the natural minor scale, which are the same two
approaches you’ve seen throughout this lesson.
The first is to think about the intervals from the root note, and the second is to
think about the distance between the notes.
The interval pattern from the root note for the natural minor scale is:
Root-2-b3-4-5-b6-b7-Root
You can also use the distance between each note when building any natural
minor scale.
When doing so, you get this formula.
Root – Tone – Minor 2nd – Tone – Tone – Minor 2nd – Tone – Tone
A tone is two frets apart, so from frets 1 to 3 on any string for example.
Here’s a C natural minor scale, one octave, with the interval names below each
note.
Play through this C natural minor scale, memorize one or both formulae, and
when ready, head to the playing exercises below.
How to Play the Natural Minor Scale
You’re now ready to play the natural minor scale in two positions on guitar.
Here are two essential natural minor scale fingerings to learn, play in all keys, and
memorize on the fretboard.
Before you start, here are tips on how to best learn the natural minor scale.

• Play in 1 key until it’s memorized.
• Work all 12 keys in this order – C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, B, E, A, D, G
• Say the root of the scale as you play in a new key.
• Sing along with each scale for an ear training workout.
• Say each note in the scale, if possible or if it’s a goal for you.
• Use a metronome to get a rhythm workout.
• Learn the 2nd natural minor scale position and repeat.
• Have fun!
Now that you know how to learn the natural minor scale, it’s time to take these
shapes to the fretboard!
Natural Minor Scale Workout
You’re now ready for a natural minor chops workout, where you apply the 123,
234, etc. pattern to this 6th-string root shape.
After you play this pattern from the 6th string, apply it to the 5th-string shape and
take it further in your studies.
Here are tips on how to get the most out of this natural minor scale workout.

• Add a metronome and focus on smoothness not playing fast.
• Speed comes with time, so work as slow as possible right now.
• Take this pattern to other keys, all 12 if possible.
• Use the cycle to work 12 keys, C-F-Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-B-E-A-D-G
• Add this pattern to your guitar solos in the next section.
• Have fun!
Now that you know how to run this natural minor scale workout, grab your guitar,
turn on your metronome, and get ‘er done!
How to Solo with the Natural Minor Scale
After learning how to build the natural minor scale, how to play it on guitar, and
you’ve worked the scale pattern, you’re ready to add it to your solos.
The natural minor scale is used to solo over minor key chord progressions, like the
“Stairway to Heaven/All Along the Watchtower” progression below.
In this exercise, you solo with the A natural minor scale over Am, G, and F chords,
a common rock progression that you’ve heard a bazillion times.
Here are tips to get the most out of this natural minor soloing exercise.

• Solo with the A natural minor scale over the whole track.
• Record yourself, listen back, make notes, and repeat.
• Don’t worry about playing the “greatest” solo, focus on the act of soloing.
• Review the 5th string pattern and repeat, then combine both in your solos.
• Have fun and go for it!
Now that you know how to work this natural minor soloing exercise, grab your
guitar, crank your amp to 11, and give ‘er!
Melodic Minor Scale
In this section, you learn about a less commonly used, and still essential, minor
scale, melodic minor.
The melodic minor scale is used in classical music, and in solos and riffs by jazz
and fusion players mostly, though it does pop up in other genres.
Now, I want to clear up the biggest myth with the melodic minor scale and
classical music before we go any further.
In classical music they prefer to play up the melodic minor scale and down the
natural minor scale.
There aren’t two versions of melodic minor, one up and down, in classical music
they use one scale up and a totally different scale down.
This is mostly due to tuning issues with voices and strings, which we aren’t
concerned about in jazz, rock, blues, funk, soul, country, etc.
The melodic minor exercises in this section teach you:
• How to build the melodic minor scale.

• How to play melodic minor on guitar.
• How to increase your guitar technique with this scale.
• How to solo with melodic minor.
• And more!
Time to get started. Move on to the next section to learn how to build, play, and
solo with this must-know guitar scale.
How to Build a Melodic Minor Scale
understand how to build the melodic minor scale.
If this theory goes over your head, not a problem.
Check out this section first, then head down to practice the scale shapes and
exercises below.
From there, return to this section down the road as your theory chops catch up to
your playing chops.
As you’ve learned by now, there are two ways to build the melodic minor scale.
The first is to think about the intervals up from the root, and the second is to
think about the distance between each note.
The interval pattern up from the root for melodic minor is:
Root-2-b3-4-5-6-7-Root
You can also think of the distance between each note when building this 7-note
scale.
With this method, you get the following formula.
Root – Tone – Minor 2nd – Tone – Tone – Tone – Tone – Minor 2nd
A tone is two frets apart, so from frets 1 to 3 on any string for example.
Here’s an example of a C melodic minor scale, one octave, with the interval
names written below each note.
Play this example melodic minor scale, memorize one or both formulae for
building this scale, and then head to the playing exercises below.
How to Play the Melodic Minor Scale
You’re now ready to learn how to play the melodic minor scale on guitar with two
essential scale shapes.
Here are tips on how to best learn the melodic minor scale in your studies.
• Learn 1 position, say the finger numbers to make memorizing easier.

• Work in 12 keys in this order – C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, B, E, A, D, G
• Say the root of the scale as you play each shape in a new key.
• Say each note in the scale, only if possible or a goal for you.
• Use a metronome when playing the scale in each key.
• Learn the 5th string scale shape and repeat.
• Have fun!
Now that you know how to learn both melodic minor scale shapes it’s time to get
them on the fretboard and have fun!
Melodic Minor Scale Workout
You’re now ready for a melodic minor workout, where you apply the 123, 234,
etc. scale pattern to the 6th-string root shape.
After you can play this pattern from the 6th string, apply this pattern to the 5th-
string melodic minor scale shape to take this exercise further.
Here are some handy tips to get the most from your melodic minor workout.

• Speed will come with time, so start slow.
• Sing along with this workout for added ear training.
• Take this pattern to other keys when comfortable.
• Work in these specific 12 keys, C-F-Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-B-E-A-D-G
• Learn the 5th string shape and repeat.
• Have fun!
Now that you know how to practice this melodic minor scale pattern, grab your
guitar, turn on your metronome, and get started!
How to Solo with the Melodic Minor Scale
With your melodic minor skill set intact, you’re now ready to solo with this scale
over a classic chord progression.
The melodic minor scale is used over minor family chords, such as minor, m7, m6,
m9, etc.
When doing so you color those chords with the mMaj7 sound, and the major 7
interval is a “tension” note in this context.
This means that any time you hit that major 7 note, the one a fret below the root,
it’ll grab some attention.
This is fine as that’s the characteristic sound of this scale.
Just be aware that you need to resolve that tension to make this scale work in
your solo, mostly by playing the root note, or a 7-2-1 pattern.
In this exercise you apply the G melodic minor scale to both the Gm7 and C7
chords, a common jazz progression that uses this scale.
Here are tips to get the most out of this soloing exercise in your studies.

• Solo with the G melodic minor scale over the whole track.
• Remember, this scale creates “tension” so work on resolving that tension.
• Review the 5th string shape and repeat, combine both shapes when ready.
Now that you know how to solo with the melodic minor scale, grab your favorite
axe, crank your amp, and let ‘er rip!
Harmonic Minor Scale
Here, you learn about an essential minor scale, harmonic minor.
The harmonic minor scale is used in classical music and in solos and riffs by metal,
jazz, and fusion players, though it does pop up in other genres.
Though this scale isn’t as common as natural minor, it’s definitely worth exploring
to open your ears to new melodic possibilities on the guitar.
• Build the harmonic minor scale.

• Play harmonic minor on guitar.
• Skyrocket your guitar technique with this scale.
• Solo with this scale over classic chord progressions.
• And more!
Time to get started. Head to the next section as you learn how to build this
essential sound.
How to Build a Harmonic Minor Scale
understand how to build harmonic minor.
Remember, play first, theory later, especially if you’re struggling with a theoretical
concept, don’t let that hold you back from playing and jamming with a device.
There are two ways to build the harmonic minor scale, as always.
The first is to think about the intervals compared to the root note, and the second
is to think about the intervals between each note in the scale.
The interval pattern from the root for harmonic minor is:
Root-2-b3-4-5-b6-7-Root
You can also think of the distance between each note when building this 7-note
scale.
Root – Tone – Minor 2nd – Tone – Tone – Minor 2nd – Minor 3rd – Minor 2nd
example.
As well, a minor 2nd is 1 fret apart, so from frets 1 to 2 on any string for example.
Lastly, a minor 3rd is 3 frets apart, so between frets 1 and 4 on any string for
example.
Here’s an example of a C harmonic minor scale, one octave, with the interval
names written below each note.
Play through this scale, memorize one or both formulae for building this scale,
and when ready, head to the playing exercises below.
How to Play the Harmonic Minor Scale
You’re now ready to play the harmonic minor scale on guitar in 2 positions and in
all 12 keys.
Here are two of my favorite, and essential, harmonic minor scale fingerings to
learn, memorize, and add to your guitar solos.
Here are tips on how to best learn the harmonic minor scale in your studies.
• Learn 1 position, say each finger number to help with memory.

• Play in 1 key until that shape is memorized.
• Say the root of the scale when you play in a new key.
• Sing along with each scale for added ear training.
• Say each note in the scale, only if possible or a goal for you.
• Learn the 2nd position and repeat.
• Have fun!
Now that you know how to learn the harmonic minor scale it’s time to take it to
the fretboard and have fun!
Harmonic Minor Scale Workout
You’re now ready for the harmonic minor workout, where you apply the 123, 234,
etc. scale pattern to the 6th-string root shape.
After you can play this scale pattern from the 6th string, work it over the 5th-string
shape to take it a step further in your studies.
Here are a few tips to get the most out of this pattern in your harmonic minor
workout.

• Speed will come with time, so start as slow as possible.
• Sing along for an ear training workout.
• Use the cycle to work in 12 keys, C-F-Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-B-E-A-D-G
• Take this pattern to your guitar solo workout in the next section.
• Have fun!
Now that you know how to practice this scale pattern, grab your guitar, turn on
your metronome, and dive in!
How to Solo with the Harmonic Minor Scale
You’re now ready to learn how to solo with the harmonic minor scale.
Harmonic minor is used over minor family chords, such as minor, m7, m6, m9,
etc.
When doing so you color those chords with the mMaj7 sound, as the major 7
Make sure to resolve that tension note, at least at first, to avoid sounding like
you’re hitting wrong frets with this scale.
The easiest way to resolve that major 7 interval is to play the root note
immediately after.
In this exercise you apply the D harmonic minor scale to Dm7 and A7alt chords, a
common jazz progression that uses this scale.
Here are tips to get the most out of this soloing exercise in your studies.

• Solo with the D harmonic minor scale over the whole track.
• Review the 5th string shape and repeat, then combine both shapes.
Now that you know how to work this harmonic minor soloing exercise, grab your
Harmonic Major Scale
In this section, you learn about a rare, but essential, harmonic major.
This scale uses the first half of the major scale, 1-2-3-4, combined with the second
half from harmonic minor, 5-b6-7-1, hence the name.
Harmonic major is used in solos and riffs by jazz and fusion players mostly, though
it does pop up in other genres from time to time.
Though this scale isn’t as common as other in this lesson, it’s worth exploring on
the fretboard in your solos.
The exercises in this section teach you:
• How to build the harmonic major scale.

• How to play harmonic major on guitar.
• How to build your technique with this scale.
• How to solo with harmonic major.
• And more!
So, time to get started. Head to the next section to learn how to build this
essential sound.
How to Build a Harmonic Major Scale
understand how to build the harmonic minor scale.
If this theory goes over your head, not a problem. Check out this section first,
then head down to learn the scale shapes and exercises below.
From there, return to this section later on as your theory chops catch up to your
playing chops.
There are two ways to build the harmonic major scale.
The first is to think about the intervals above the root note, and the second is to
think about the distance between each note in the scale.
The interval pattern above the root for the harmonic major scale is:
Root-2-3-4-5-b6-7-Root
As well, you can think of the intervals between each note when building this 7-
note scale.
Root – Tone – Tone – Minor 2nd – Tone – Minor 2nd – Minor 3rd – Minor 2nd
example.
As well, a minor 2nd is 1 fret apart, so from frets 1 to 2 on any string for example.
Lastly, a minor 3rd is 3 frets apart, so between frets 1 and 4 on any string for
example.
Here’s an example of a C harmonic major scale, one octave, with the interval
names below each note.
Play through this scale, memorize one or both formulae for this scale, and when
How to Play the Harmonic Major Scale
You’re now ready to play the harmonic major scale on guitar using 2 must-know
shapes in all 12 keys.
Here are some quick tips on how to best learn harmonic major in your studies.

• Say the root of the scale as you start to play each shape in a new key.
• Sing along with each scale for added ear training.
• Say each note in the scale as you play it, only if possible or a goal for you.
• Learn the 2nd harmonic major scale shape and repeat.
• Have fun!
Now that you know how to learn these two harmonic major scale shapes take
them to the fretboard and have some fun!
Harmonic Major Scale Workout
You’re now ready for the harmonic major workout, where you apply the 123, 234,
etc. scale pattern to this 6th-string shape.
After you play this pattern in a number of keys from the 6th string, apply the
pattern to the 5th-string shape to take it further in your studies.
Here are tips on how to get the most out of this scale pattern in your harmonic
major workout.
• Go slow, very slow, to start.

• Add in a metronome and focus on smoothness not tempo.
• Use the cycle to work in 12 keys, C-F-Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-B-E-A-D-G
• Have fun!
Now that you know how to practice this harmonic major scale pattern, grab your
guitar, turn on your metronome, and dive in!
How to Solo with the Harmonic Major Scale
You’re now ready to learn how to solo with the harmonic major scale.
Harmonic major is used over major family chords, such as major, maj7, maj9, 6,
6/9, etc.
When doing so, you color those chords with the Maj7b13 sound, as the b13
That tension note, b6/b13, is best resolved down by one fret into the 5th note of
the scale.
In this exercise you apply the C harmonic major scale to both the Cmaj7 and G7b9
chords, a common jazz progression that uses this scale.
Here are quick tips to get the most out of this soloing exercise in your studies.

• Solo with the C harmonic major scale over the whole track.
• Review the 5th string and repeat, then combine both shapes when ready.
Now that you know how to work this harmonic major soloing exercise, grab your
Where to Go Next
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Table of Contents

7 MUST-KNOW GUITAR SCALES ...........................................................3

If you feel you need more, great, add one more.

Damn Jim, heavy.

The exercises in this section teach you how to:

• Build the minor pentatonic scale.

When doing so, you get the following formula.

Root – Minor 3rd – Tone – Tone – Minor 3rd – Tone

• Work on your own until you’re ready for a metronome.

• Review the 6th-string scale shape.

The exercises in this section teach you how to:

• Build the major pentatonic scale.

Remember, play first, theory later.

When doing so, you get the following formula.

Root – Tone – Tone – Minor 3rd – Tone – Minor 3rd

• Learn 1 position, say the finger numbers to help with memory.

• Work on your own until you’re ready for a metronome.

• Review the 6th-string major pentatonic scale shape.

The exercises in this section teach you:

• How to build the major scale.

Remember, play first, theory later, especially if you’re stalled on a theoretical

The interval pattern for the major scale is:

When doing so, you get the following intervals.

• Learn 1 position, say the finger numbers as you play.

• Go slow, very slow, to start.

• Review the 6th-string scale shape.

The exercises in this section teach you how to:

• Construct the natural minor scale.

When doing so, you get this formula.

• Learn 1 position, say the finger numbers to help with memory.

• Work on your own until you’re ready for a metronome.

• Review the 6th-string scale shape.

The melodic minor exercises in this section teach you:

• How to build the melodic minor scale.

If this theory goes over your head, not a problem.

With this method, you get the following formula.

• Learn 1 position, say the finger numbers to make memorizing easier.

• Work on your own until you’re ready for a metronome.

This is fine as that’s the characteristic sound of this scale.

• Review the 6th-string scale shape.

The exercises in this section teach you how to:

• Build the harmonic minor scale.

When doing so, you get the following formula.

• Learn 1 position, say each finger number to help with memory.

• Work on your own until you’re ready for a metronome.

• Review the 6th-string scale shape.

The exercises in this section teach you:

• How to build the harmonic major scale.

There are two ways to build the harmonic major scale.

When doing so, you get the following formula.

• Learn 1 position, say the finger numbers to help with memory.

• Go slow, very slow, to start.

• Review the 6th-string scale shape.

Take the next step with our Guitar Mastery Membership

Sign up and receive instant access to ALL previous and future

Check it out HERE

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