What Are Guitar Scales?
A guitar scale is an ordered set of notes arranged by pitch.
In simple terms
Scales provide the notes used to build melodies, riffs, solos and chords. Their interval pattern gives each scale its characteristic sound.
Scale patterns
A scale can be played in several positions on the fretboard. The notes remain the same even when the fingering changes.
Major and minor scales
The major scale often sounds bright and settled. Natural minor uses a different interval pattern and commonly sounds darker.
How scales connect to chords
Chords are built from notes in a scale. Knowing the key helps identify which chords and melody notes are likely to work together.