There are 13 major scales with 3 forms of minor scales each.  The major scale is a tone pattern that follows this format (Step-Step-Step-1/2 Step-Step-Step-Step-1/2 Step).  The corresponding natural minor scale begins on the sixth note of the major sequence shown above (Step-1/2 Step-Step-Step-Step-1/2 Step-Step-Step).  The remaining two minor scales are the harmonic (Step-1/2 Step-Step-Step-Step-1/2 Step-Step+1/2 Step-1/2 Step) and the melodic that has the 6th and 7th notes sharpened (+1/2 Step) ascending the scale but reverts back to the natural minor notes descending the scale.    We will not deal with the harmonic and melodic forms in this course.

Breaking down the scales into the major scale format (Step-Step-1/2 Step-Step-Step-Step-1/2 Step) and cross-referencing the same pattern cross-ward we end up with the following diagram.  Listed across the top, right, bottom and left sides is the scale of C Major.  As this scale contains no flats or sharps within the key we can use this chart for root key identification as well as major-minor transpositions.

            If you’ll notice the blank squares in this chart and their position relative to the surrounding notes you can see immediately that the blanks are flats or sharps.  These have been omitted for clarity. 

            Also below and between the box step patterns are note names.  These indicate major sharp or flat scale regions.  Like a slide rule, you adjust the box pattern to reveal different major sharp or flat key scales.

            Lets find the notes for C# Major.  On the chart you need to find C and D. You can find this key two ways, across the top or down the left side.  C# is in the space between the two row of boxes so then is the C# scale. 

          Looking down that row we see D, E, G, A and B are at intersections while F and C are between boxes.  Everything between the boxes stay the same, items at intersections become flats or sharps.

          In this example the C would have to stay the same so how can we have a C# scale and there is no E#?  We simply revert the sharps to flats and this scale to Db Major

Scale Notes Finder

We will concentrate on the 13 major scales and their respective 13 natural minor scales.  Don’t worry about memorizing them.  I’ve broken all this information down into five main groups for the guitar.  Each group is called a finger pattern form.