The G Major Scale
The G major scale starts and ends on the note G and contains an F sharp (F# ) note instead of F. Written here is one octave of the G major scale. Notice that it has the same patterns of tones and semitones as the C major scale.
Major Scale Pattern
If you study the fretboard diagram that follows, you will be able to locate a different position to play the G major scale. This new position contains no open strings, so this major scale pattern can be played anywhere on the fretboard as long as the first note (root note) is on the 4th or 3rd string. Play the following major scale pattern using the left hand fingering, as indicated by the dots.
Play this major scale pattern commencing on the Bb note on the 6th fret of the 4th string. You are now playing a Bb major scale.
Play this major scale pattern commencing on the C note on the 3rd fret of the 3rd string. You are now playing a C major scale. Always use the same left hand fingering for this pattern and remember that the major scale you are playing is named after the first note in the pattern.
The next two examples contain sharps and flats. Pay special attention to the position each note is played. Music readers should refer to the TAB for position.
This example features a smooth, quarter note style of playing, common in Jazz. Notice the use of enharmonic notes on the staff. E.g., F# and Gb in bar 9.
First and Second Endings
This example uses first and second endings. On the first time through, ending one is played, as indicated by the bracket Z. The section of music is then repeated (go back to the last bar of line 4) and on the second time through ending two is played X.
Know Your Basses…
Five String Bass Guitar
The five string bass extends the range of the instrument, commonly by an interval of a fourth down through adding a low B string, which changes the tuning to B E A D G. The first five string bass to be mass produced was the Fender V, tuned E A D G C. Notable five string players include Robert Trujillo of Metallica, Jazz virtuoso Matthew Garrison, session ace Nathan East (Michael Jackson, Phil Collins and Stevie Wonder) and fretless master Gary Willis.
