It is important as you learn guitar scales to learn the major scale modes. A logical starting point is the Ionian mode also known as the major scale. This scale is very popular in western music from classical to rock to jazz and many others. This scale is used as a reference point in music, and is therfore very important for musicians to understand.
As you learn guitar scales you will realise that scales are simply a series of notes separated by distinct intervals or steps. The intervals of the Ionian mode are root tone -T-T -ST -T-T-T-ST, where T = a tone or two frets and ST = a semitone or 1 fret. A major scale can be formed by simply arranging any set of notes with these intervals. This set of intervals gives the well known - do, re, me, fa, so la, ti sound.
The major scale intervals produce a bright and happy feel. This can be attributed mostly to the major 3rd but also how the other notes sound in relation to the root note. This scale is often chosen to convey a positive, happy vibe to a piece of music. As you learn guitar scales, listen to how the intervals affect the mood and feel of the scale.
The natural, easy sounding intervals of the major scale make it a good reference point in music. Once you can easily identify how it sounds, you can train your ear to listen out for differences in these familiar intervals. You can then identify other scales by using the major scale as a reference point. As you learn guitar scales, you will find this an invaluable skill.
Chords are built from each of the intervals in a scale. For the major scale we can create 3 major, 3 minor and a diminished chord. When soloing, it is easiest to solo over the 3 major chords. These are made from the root, fourth and fifth intervals of the major scale.
The major scale is used extensively in jazz, classical and rock music, but also nursery rhymes and even church songs or hymns. Despite this scale scale being associated with these genres of music it also works very well with lead guitar. Did you know that the longest guitar solo ever in the top forty charts - Slash's "November Rain" used the Ionian mode or major scale ? This demonstrates just how good it can sound on guitar. As you learn guitar scales and progress beyond the pentatonics, ensure to learn the modes of the major scale. The Ionian mode is a good starting point to upscale your lead guitar technique.
As you learn guitar scales you will realise that scales are simply a series of notes separated by distinct intervals or steps. The intervals of the Ionian mode are root tone -T-T -ST -T-T-T-ST, where T = a tone or two frets and ST = a semitone or 1 fret. A major scale can be formed by simply arranging any set of notes with these intervals. This set of intervals gives the well known - do, re, me, fa, so la, ti sound.
The major scale intervals produce a bright and happy feel. This can be attributed mostly to the major 3rd but also how the other notes sound in relation to the root note. This scale is often chosen to convey a positive, happy vibe to a piece of music. As you learn guitar scales, listen to how the intervals affect the mood and feel of the scale.
The natural, easy sounding intervals of the major scale make it a good reference point in music. Once you can easily identify how it sounds, you can train your ear to listen out for differences in these familiar intervals. You can then identify other scales by using the major scale as a reference point. As you learn guitar scales, you will find this an invaluable skill.
Chords are built from each of the intervals in a scale. For the major scale we can create 3 major, 3 minor and a diminished chord. When soloing, it is easiest to solo over the 3 major chords. These are made from the root, fourth and fifth intervals of the major scale.
The major scale is used extensively in jazz, classical and rock music, but also nursery rhymes and even church songs or hymns. Despite this scale scale being associated with these genres of music it also works very well with lead guitar. Did you know that the longest guitar solo ever in the top forty charts - Slash's "November Rain" used the Ionian mode or major scale ? This demonstrates just how good it can sound on guitar. As you learn guitar scales and progress beyond the pentatonics, ensure to learn the modes of the major scale. The Ionian mode is a good starting point to upscale your lead guitar technique.
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