Scales and Key Signatures Scales
A scale can be defined as a series of notes, in alphabetical order, going from any given note to its octave and based upon some form of set pattern. The pattern upon which most scales are based involves a set sequence of tones and/or semitones. On the guitar, a tone is two frets and a semitone is one fret. As an example, the B note is a tone higher than A (two frets), whereas the C note is only a semitone higher than B (one fret). Of the other natural notes in music, E and F are a semitone apart, and all the others are a tone apart.
Natural Notes:
In music theory, a tone may be referred to as a step and a semitone as a half - step.
The three main types of scales that you need to become familiar with are the chromatic (see page 50), major and minor scales.
Scales should be memorized and practiced daily. Always play slowly and evenly at first, gradually building up speed.
Practice the scale using both rest stroke and free stroke. Use im, mat ia.
Be sure to accommodate the right hand in its movement from the 1st string to the 6th string. You should raise or lower the forearm as seen in photos A and B. This adjustment allows the right hand fingers to remain in the correct shape for playing across the six strings without reaching or hooking.
photo A
