the g major scale

Back in Lesson Four we built a C major scale from scratch, and learned how to play it forwards and backwards. Now we're going to do the same thing starting from G, which will give us a G major scale. We're going to use the same formula we used for C. In case you don’t remember (but you should!) it’s Root-W-W-H-W-W-W-H. Here again is the Chromatic Scale for reference:

A A# B C C# D D# E F F# G G#

We begin with G, our root note. From there we go up one whole step which brings us to A. From there we go up another whole, bringing us up to B. From there we continue up a half step, which leads us to C. Take another whole step from C and you're at D. Another whole step takes us to E. One more whole step lands us on an F#, where we take one more little half step and are whisked off to another G. We're back home now, having traveled one octave. Here it is:

G A B C D E F# G

I have provided the fingering for this one as well. This time we'll go up two octaves, because there are enough G's in this area of the neck to make it happen. In a two-octave scale we go through the pattern twice, continuing until we are up two G's from where we started. Like this:

G A B C D E F# G A B C D E F# G

And the fingering. Notice that this time around we've got a note (#7) on the fourth fret. Use your pinky for this one.

At this point you're going to want to modify your practice routine to accommodate all of the information you've accumulated to this point. As always, warm up with the Finger Exercise. Then practice your scales, both the C and the G. You want to commit both to memory. When I say memory I mean deep memory, like the stuff that lets you remember how to breathe. Once you're feeling good about the scales, move on to your chords. Play different combinations of G, C, Am, and D. It's very important to practice with a metronome once you've become comfortable with the fingerings. Good luck!