Music Theory For Guitar | 1 | Major Scales

What I am getting a little lost on is starting a scale with an open string. Open low E for instance-- the formula and finger positions don't seem to apply or there are different rules? I am a little hung up on this. Also when switching to the open A from F major scale- this is a "whole" but switching to the open A from E major (open low E) this is a half step to the open A. Not sure if this makes sense. I just know I can comprehend all of it except if my root note is an open string- these rules seem to not apply?

tyler james

Thanks for joining! I hope you learn a lot while you're here!

Scott Paul Johnson

Scott - I found your video on the CAGED system on YouTube via Reddit. I've been "playing guitar" for many years and can play songs and tabs, but decided it's time to dive into Music Theory and really understand the guitar. After that video, I saw you offered this school, and after a little over a week, I must say, I'm super impressed. I feel like I'm in a personal 1:1 lesson. I love that I have homework to do and can practice and study along to the videos. They are so well done! The office hours and challenges are a great touch too. Thank you for doing this. Well done, sir!

David Chaboudy Jr.

Just started course after about 8 months of trying to learn solo. Spent a few hours this weekend working on this lesson and playing the major scales with you. Very comprehensive and excited to build my music theory!

Pyrpa

There are a few factors, but in my opinion it boils down to preference. How to do you want to write it out? Is the key of C# easier to think about for this particular song, or is D flat easier?

Scott Paul Johnson

Every scale has to have the full alphabet, in order, without duplicates or skipping. This means there isn't optional sharps or flats. There will be only one possible set for each of the 12 notes. Check out my circle of fifths lesson coming up in this series.

Scott Paul Johnson

Play along until you get the concept - no need for absolute perfection at this point

Scott Paul Johnson

For now, don't worry about the whole "shape name" business - ask me about it on an Office Hours lesson sometime if you're still curious

Scott Paul Johnson

Hi Shane - Just remember the heirarchy: 1. The formula essentially gives all the measurements for the scale: WWHWWWH 2. The scale MUST contain all the notes of the alphabet in order, without skipping or duplicating 3. The sharps and flats make the alphabet notes conform to the formula Writing in the alphabet first forces us to commit to rule number 2, and then we sharp or flat notes to make sure they conform to the appropriate scale measurements in rule 1

Scott Paul Johnson

I was following along great but when you got to the part where you were like, this is supposed to be this but it is actually this and on and on you lost my ADHD brain and I had to stop watching. This is a reflection of how my brain works more than how you were teaching. Is what it is. Hopefully as we move along things will start to click again at some point!

Shane Lanford

oh wow... I've probably spent over £1k in real life lessons to understand this stuff but, its never clicked with me... the way you explained it makes it seem super easy...

jamie baldwin

You are just amazing! I am a beginner and been trying to play for last few months. Your tutorials are just awesome.

Deepak Agarwal

I’m looking at the lesson one practice pdf on page 3. The C shape and the A shape make sense to me but I’m not seeing the “g” in the g shape. Am I missing something?

John

scale note that is..

john green

So I'm guessing one would work the play along for each scale until they are all under your fingers, correct?

john green

This would be great, at least a link to a future (already existing) video that explains it

Jean Troiani

Would you explain what an A shape, G shape, D shape or E shape is in a scale?

Fernando

BTW the practice links do not work. Would you please fix them. Thanks

Fernando

Perhaps you mentioned and I missed it, but when I tried to apply the shape to form a major scale that involves the second string, the only way to make it is to more the shape up by one fret. Assume that is the way to go.

Fernando

amazing lesson- super helpful!

Ashlyn Molinaro

Why this video cant played?

Budiawan

Seems to be working smoothly again today!

andy kim

That comes later

Scott Paul Johnson

Great lesson. I see the practice tracks are all in C Major. Should I practice other keys before moving on, or does that come later?

Rob

Hi~ I am on a desktop PC browser and the video freezes at about 21 mins on my end and eventually gives me a cannot be played here error. Hoping it's the weather today and will try again tomorrow!

andy kim

Hi Andru - are you an android user? Patreon is currently having issues with people on Android devices. Try watching on a laptop or desktop and see if it works. I am so sorry for this issue.

Scott Paul Johnson

andru

Hmmm…. I’ll look into it. Maybe it needs to be relinked

Scott Paul Johnson

I am also getting the "Oops! That page doesn’t exist or is private" when going to the forum post.

Jorge Rodríguez

Hi Scott! I am glad to have found your lessons, for the first time I am feeling I can learn music theory and guitar playing in a manageable way. Thank you!

Jorge Rodríguez

yikes! Thats new too. I'm working on it right now.

Scott Paul Johnson

Heads up -- when I click on the link here to the community forum, I get a message saying "Oops! That page doesn’t exist or is private."

Gemma Smith-Vondras

Hi. First day on the free trial. I am in Canada and I am getting the "privacy settings" message. It works on my laptop though. Is there any assurance that I'll be able to watch these vids on my phone if I get the full paid version. I have really enjoyed your lessons on you tube. The way you teach really clicks. But would be nice to do the lessons on my phone.

Tyson Keffer

Interesting. I'm having the same problem. Did you get it to work on your phone since your last message? Also, are you in Canada? I am so I'm kinda wondering if it's a Canada thing?

Tyson Keffer

Ok. So it works on my pc. Not on my phone (android)

Geovannie Acosta

Maybe re upload to YouTube?

Geovannie Acosta

Same Same

Alexandre Coelho

The excersise (play along) video works but the lesson itself does not.

Geovannie Acosta

It's as if the settings have been set to make the vid private.

Geovannie Acosta

The error is on vimeo itself. Not Patreon.

Geovannie Acosta

Geovannie Acosta

sometimes Patreon glitches - I think because the "free trial" is a new feature - sorry about that. Give it a couple hours and see if you have access.

Scott Paul Johnson

I canto see the videos! The message is "sorry, because of its privacy settings, this video cannot be played here". Help!

Andrea Cestari

Broke the ice with this lesson, after recently joining Patreon .... awesome quality, looking forward to my time here.

Phil James

Many thanks!

Chombaert

Look for the little paperclip symbols at the bottom of the post before the comments - click the text next to the paperclips and those are the PDFs

Scott Paul Johnson

Where can I find the PDF you’re referring to pls?

Chombaert

Patreon - top right of each page

Boro

Is this on Patreon or on scottpauljohnson.com ?

Scott Paul Johnson

I think/hope you have a typo on the top of each lesson page, where it says$130.24/month, I think you mean $130.24//year.

Boro

I memorized all the shapes, and all of the c's but I could only play the 130bpm play alone smoothly

Adrian Chapa

When do you know you are ready to move on to the next lesson?

Adrian Chapa

I assumed this would be a very basic review of my prior (limited) music theory. I have never quite understood why some scales use sharps and others flats, until you mentioned using the scratch sheets and now it makes sense! If you put the letters in first, then the flats or sharps correspond to make the letter "fit".

Ben Poe

Great stuff! I'm really excited to get back into learning about theory. I had a question, however: How do we know when write down a flat or sharp on scale given it could be both?

Ryan Merrill

Scott, I discovered you while surfing YouTube for lessons on the CAGED system. I was impressed with your teaching style. I tend to over complicate things and this tendency was blocked by the simplicity of your teaching style. I viewed some of your other lessons and, as with the first, I was very impressed. This morning I joined your Patreon site. I look forward to learning more!

Jeff Churma

Hello Scott, I do understand the whole concept but I remember you mentioning that a scale should have either sharps or flats and not both. Now, when it comes to a major scale of C sharp or D flat how do know which to choose from both as the key since they are the same notes.

Nikhil

Hello Scott I am super happy to join this team!! I managed to play and even solo a bit on the scale. Gonna need more practice tho! Thanks for the lessons you're the best:)

Ni Kouts

Signed up today, did this lesson and a few lightning bolt moments! Realised how i can connect the scales together and what the shapes meant as well. Now i understand the scale shape and how i can bridge between two different shapes. Assuming i am right, i am sure i will find out in a later lesson!

Adam Noble

Guitar is weird! I don't know why!

Scott Paul Johnson

Having trouble here with the G shaped c major scale practice. Basically, its the same pattern as the A shape, but because the B string is tuned up a half step, it shifts the pattern a half step, BUUUUTT why does the high E string pattern shift down a half step too? I would think it would go back. Just seems odd, hope that makes sense. Thanks!

Christiffer

I joined in the beginning of my learning guitar a little over a year ago, I was in the cycle that I want to learn everything now... LOL.. nope that didn't work out to well, learned a lot and now in the mode of cutting it all back and found I love learning the theory of music and recording. So I am back with a full plan to follow your courses and lessons. Thank you for being such an amazing teacher, I look forward to learning your lessons and participating.

Jeffrey Kalven

Recently joined and though I do know some basic theory, having it all so clearly explained along with guided play along and home work will definitely help me lock it all in. So glad I signed up - excellent lesson!

J.Rod

Holy crap...I never realized the image at the top of the lesson plan is actually a video...I thought it was an image... so I've missed the core lesson for 3 lessons

Casey Fowler

I'm able to follow the videos to about 210bpm, but am getting lost with the PDF. I'm just not sure I'm interpreting the chords correctly, or the wwhwwwh, which makes the rest of the PDFs nearly impossible to follow. Do you have resources on how to start reading chords and working through the PDF?

Casey Fowler

Greetings everyone. I am on lesson 1. How many bpms should a person get good at before they start lession 2

Richard Finlay

Hi Matt - Looks like you figured it out! Don't be afraid to ask more questions. Also, look out for the next Office Hours, where you can ask any question you like.

Scott Paul Johnson

Hi Scott - fantastic content and teaching style - brilliant Just 1 question perhaps ths should go to the community - but how can C# to D within the WWHWWWH system say in an F major scale qualify as a half step? - have i miss-understood something? :/ never mind - its because its B flat not C# LOL Much love from York, United kingdom

Matt Sheldon

Hey, how come there are different shapes to play one scale? and if we learn the different shapes, are they going to stay the same for every scale we play? A shape, D shape, Open C shape and G shape...

Ugo Nwachuku

Yeah it is. Not working

Ugo Nwachuku

Hi Ugo - is it still doing that?

Scott Paul Johnson

Hello, new here! Why do I get a privacy settings I cannot play the video message :(

Ugo Nwachuku

Hey John - you should just be able to play it at the slowest speed and maybe one notch faster. I'll take some practice, but you don't need to play at the top speed! This course is about understanding concepts.

Scott Paul Johnson

Hi Scott , just joined this week, as a total beginner I should be able to do 70? If that is the case I should quit right now lol. I hope I am misunderstanding the lesson.

john balsamo

My fingers get confused with the Open C shape. I keep wanting to play C with 3rd finger, then F with my 4th. Then I'm out of position for the rest of the scale. Enjoying the lesson!

Keith Monzon

.... keep going :). Greetings from Belgium !

koen vandersteegen

Joined as from today (saw you on youtube). Impressed by the teaching (explanation and visual tools), I hope to

koen vandersteegen

So I have been stuck on the Major Scales lesson for a couple of weeks now. I watched the video 3 time or more but ran into a wall when I hit the play along. I think because the video seemed to roll together with “guided play along” making me think “ok I should be ready to start here.” but quickly realized the 70bpm is above me level with going up and down the scales. If anyone else hits that same wall, it helped me to understand and do the homework practice with a metronome at 40 and moving up for a few days until you are more fluid and not having to stop and think where you’re going next. That made the Guided Play Along easier to keep up with, and I stopped feeling like I was already somehow behind. Homework is practice and practice is everything with guitar. And as SPJ repeatedly says - “it isn’t about talent” and keep going because you are talented enough! ♥️

Moose Mahone

Welcome!

Scott Paul Johnson

I just joined this weekend

AG Andre

This is a much better jumping off point for me. I always got nowhere with other methods. Great job of explaining things and it pulls it all together quickly instead of a slow burn like other online courses.

Robert Wightman

Hi Scott It sounds like I just need to master playing all positions of c major. Thanks for the prompt reply. Is your recommendation that I be perfect at all positions at 200 bpm before I move on. At higher speeds I find myself more automated than mindful. When do I know I am ready to move on to the next lesson? Harsh

harsh ghesani

Hi Harsh - This lesson is a little more about the anatomy of the Major Scale in general - there are more lessons that move through ALL the scales

Scott Paul Johnson

Hi Scott Great lesson. It seems that the outcome of this is familiarity with c major scale on various positions on the fretboard. Is that correct? Do you expect playability in terms of being aware of the sharps and flats for the same scale in a different key ? I understand that I could just move the pattern up to the key I want to play the scale in. But I dont quite "feel" like I am able to play the major scale in any key with fluency, it feels like a hack. Any suggestions about where I might be going wrong ?

harsh ghesani

Hi Arturo, I use GoodNotes. It's awesome.

Scott Paul Johnson

Hi Scott, great lessons. Really happy to have signed to your course. Would you mind telling us which app do you use to edit the material in the iPad? I want to be able to edit it in my ipad similar to how you do it in the video without having to print it. Is it Goodnotes? Thank you!

Arturo Andreoli

I had the same question, and he answered it above. It's at the very bottom of the post next to the mini paperclip icon

Erin Van Horn

I missed this in the comments, thank you!

Erin Van Horn

Greetings everyone. I am so grateful for this lesson. I finally feel that I am getting a handle on guitar scales and how/why they work. I have been searching for a better understanding for over two years now. :-) Thanks Scott

Tiffany Thompson

Where are the links to the PDFs? I don't see anything under the video.

Samuel Wilson

Hello Mister Scott.I'm French and even if there're plenty of you tube channels with pedagogic approach available...i really appréciate your method ! you're a great Teacher ...Many thanks for your Work ;) regards.

Pascal Daviken

Hi Scott, I really appreciate your teaching method. FINALLY I understand what a major scale is!

Ken Zimmerman

Gday Scott, why are u using the terms C shape, D shape etc for these scales?

Pete Rasmussen

Lesson 1 is done! Great videos, pdf's and explanation, not to mention your video editing skills. It's my first guitar lesson but I already feel like I learned a lot! Thank You so much! I'm sticking to it and off to lesson 2 I go...

Donnie Marhefka

Hi Scott: happy to join up, your plan is excellent and very organise. The major scale exercise help me to have more insight to guitar fretboard, concerning the CAGED system and all scales. Thanks, much appreciated.

Keni Latu

Thanks Scott. This lesson has been quite helpful. I'm also using it to improve my knowledge of the notes on the fret board. By slowing down and calling out the names of the notes up and down the C scale, I'm getting a better feel for the fretboard, Better than just calling notes on each string or doing octaves or finding unison notes.

Steven Dixon

The PDFs are attached in a subtle way all the way at the bottom of the post.

Scott Paul Johnson

Hey Scott, thank you so much for your amazing job. Can you tell me when I can get the PDF files and homework from this lesson? Thanks

Jabaru

I did the Major and Minor Scale lessons 1 & 2. I learned a lot.

Joe Elizondo

Aloha Brother! So I started guitar about 3 weeks ago & never understood how the major scales worked or what they were! I am SO glad i joined this because i learned SOO much! And now all the major scales make sense to me & i can locate them anywere on the fretboard! Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much) for this awesome video! You did an amazing job explaining!

Kanoa

Hey Scott, I'm sure you've heard this plenty of times, but I came across your Youtube last week. After 10 years of "playing" guitar- I'd really call it more just knowing campfire chords with one strumming pattern- you are the first online teacher that has made it actually click in my head! I've tried many different Youtube personalities' methods of teaching guitar, but the few videos you had were the ones to do it for me. Just joined the Patreon and am working through it from the start, thank you!!

Chaolin

I got it Scott, Thank. You! 😃

Sherlyn Paine

Hi Sherlyn! Are you finding your way around?

Scott Paul Johnson

Hi Scott, I would like to start the beginner.

Sherlyn Paine

New here and just getting started.

Sherlyn Paine

Just finished up my first lesson and honestly Scott, this is exactly what I needed. I feel like all other 'courses' online feel like they're just throwing random things at you so it'll feel fun, and maybe that's how a lot of new folks learn. Coming from someone who's 'known' how to play guitar for about 15 years, yet still only at about year 3 or so in their actual skill, this is what I want to learn/practice daily, theory, getting my fingers used to positions. I was used to only playing the major scale one way, you've already taught me so much day one. Thanks for the content, can't wait to dive in deeper!

Cory Kelley

Hey Tony - it's related to the CAGED System - it will make more sense when you get through CAGED Basics II, which I'm in the middle of filming and writing

Scott Paul Johnson

Hello Scott - very happy to join your class. I have completed the first video and have started practicing the C Maj scale in the various positions. Why are the patterns called Open C shape, A shape, G shape, E shape and D shape?

Tony McGrath

Scott, is everything just really modes of the major scale and rhythm ideas? Is that the source code of music?

Jared Thompson

Hi Stefan - great question. I'd move on for now. The point of this specific lesson was to show how Major Scales are made and give you a sense of how they work on guitar. The Circle of Fifths lesson will help you get more acquainted with the other scales.

Scott Paul Johnson

Hi, quick question. For practice in the video you use C Major scale. Is that the only one to practice? Or should I also practice the others (D-E-F-G-A-B) in the CAGED shapes?

Stefaan

Alliot - great question. I'd say if you get it down at 100 or 120 relatively well, you're free to move on. You can move on right now if you like and come back later. Moving on might help you get a sense of how relevant it is to you

Scott Paul Johnson

Hi scott. How fast (which bpm) should we practice fluently before getting to the next lesson? Because it gets insanely fast from 150bpm

Alliot Alderson

Wow, tks for the comment. I have hard time understand why are they called "A-shape, D-shape, .etc". Are there any others meaning why they are called like that ?

Alliot Alderson

Bryon - DON'T feel dumb - the discussion group is a link to a different website - you'll need to create an account The "where to start" link at the top of the description will help you set up an account: And this video is the one to watch to understand how to get in: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/471578966?embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=105554006 Once you do that, every post will say something like "post your questions and homework HERE." And that will be a link to the community forum. Once you create an account (following the instructions in the video) the two sites will be connected and it will all be easier. Patreon is planning to make all this easier in the future (THANKFULLY) and we won't have to do the extra steps but unfortunately building a website that integrates all this stuff is WILDLY expensive at the moment, so we've got to work with what we have for now. In the future, I'd love an integrated system.

Scott Paul Johnson

Hi Scott! I want to post to the discussion group for this lesson on the community board, but um...I don't see a place to post anything. Boy, I feel kinda dumb here, LOL.

Bryon

Refreshing the basics currently! Can't go wrong with that : )

Martin Mayer

This made so much sense and started flowing so well that i soon made a clean run at 150! I never played scales before.

Rafael

Rafael! Awesome realization! I should probably write that in somewhere.... haha

Scott Paul Johnson

I just found out something very cool - i was looking for a connection to click in my brain between the CAGED shapes and the scale shapes, and i found out the A shape has the root on the A string, the E shape on the E string, the D on D string and G on G string! It all fell into place! Now it's easy to locate myself on a shape and on a scale that fits it. Yes!

Rafael

You will learn all the others, but not quite as rigorously!

Scott Paul Johnson

This is amazing. My first lesson and I feel I'm doing real progress right from the start. I have a question: Now that we know how to practice the C Major scale... we do the same for all the rest of the scales?

Gerson Pérez

Thx for getting back Scott. Yep I am going through the CAGED vids and it’s coming together nicely 👍 Went through the Pentatonic scale lessons soloing with 1st and 4th chords but decided to back track, get the Major and minor scales in the bag and then get into Pentatonics and soloing. All the best ✌️

Hughie McKinney

Hi Hughie - there is currently a gap in my lessons between beginner stuff and intermediate/advanced stuff. I've got some lessons in the works about REALLY connecting the stuff you've mentioned. But if you watch CAGED Basics, you'll be able to see how the shapes can be found anywhere. That being said, if you're starting in open position, yes, the scale (and chord) shapes will look that way up the neck. I'll get those lessons going that really help clarify this stuff.

Scott Paul Johnson

Hey Scott... Happy new year. Question. If I want to learn all the scales using the CAGED system I would then used the CAGED shapes to work down the fret board, so C Major scale “shapes” would run C-A-G-E-D. A Major A-G-E-D-C, G Major G-E-D-C-A etc? Thx Hughie

Hughie McKinney

Thanks for the fast answer!

Micael Pinheiro

they are in circle of fifths lesson

Scott Paul Johnson

Should we try to learn the other major scales, or are they in later lessons?

Micael Pinheiro

am playing guitar on and off for 30 years.. for the first time, i think am making progress.. never thought of practicing major scales(01)..ive completed 130 bpm. btw, i just started today.. thanks scott!

Angelito Quito

This is the one thing I dont understand either. I hope somebody can explain why they are called specific shapes

Stock-King

Yes. I had a brief look today at your CAGED stuff and it's not quite what I had in mind when I used the word "Shape" in my comment. I used the shapes in your PDF of this lesson where the full scale of notes where listed in colored in circles. I gather that my notion of shape is indeed related to the Shapes in the CAGED system. Barring all the strings with my index finger is impossible :-)

Walter T

You're on the right track! I'm working on lessons that help complete the information for you, but it relates to the A shape of the CAGED System

Scott Paul Johnson

I like these shapes. I took a guess that A-shape allows me to play the A major scale by find a root A note and the shape fits on the fret board. There is no F-shape or B-shape. But A-shape does allow one to play F major scale.

Walter T

Deborah! Awesome. Welcome.

Scott Paul Johnson

Hi Scott, I finally clicked the correct link. I somehow ended up on the very first video you did on music theory when you first started your page. This is just what I need to refresh my scale playing.

Deborah Zettlemoyer

Hi Blake! If you want to try it a different way - go ahead. I made it this way somewhat arbitrarily. It's a bit like asking why the alphabet is in the order it's in. The order of the letters in the alphabet are arbitrary and we rarely consider that order when we speak the language.

Scott Paul Johnson

blake

Hi Scott, for the Major Scale Play Along video; how would you count out the Open C Shape G Major Scale without double stopping at both C notes? So playing the scale like this: 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 3 3 2 0 0 2 3 3 2 0 3 3 3 instead of like this: 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 3 3 2 0 0 2 3 3 2 0 3 3 3 3 3 Going 1+2+3+4+1+2+3+4+ leaves two extra beats with my example. So with my example this would be playing 14 notes instead of the homework that shows 16 notes. The reason I ask, is because the way that I posted is most similar to how arpeggios are typically played (without double note stops); as well as linking full scales across the fretboard is often done (without double note stops or any stops between positions for that matter). I'm really enjoying your Music Theory sections so far. This part is just tripping me up. Thank you for any help.

blake

Rad dude

Greg Randolph

This will become clear when you get to the "circle of fifths" lesson. D# is Eb, but Eb can be written with one (or none) flats per note and D# cannot be written with one or less sharps per note, so we just use Eb Major and not ever D# major

Scott Paul Johnson

Hmm, i have another question, what happens when I start with D#? D# E# F? double sharp? :D

Michał S

WoW, i was not expecting such a fast answer. Everything is clear now, thank you! :)

Michał S

Michal. When building major and minor scales, the rules are as follows: 1. You must have every letter of the alphabet 2. Those letters MUST be in order 3. Sharps OR flats will be necessary to make that in-order alphabet fit the WWHWWWH formula. The scale you wrote starts with C# D#, then skips E - can't do that! This scale would have to be written: C# D# E# F# G# A# B# C# Even though E# = F, the "every letter of the alphabet rule" is MORE important than using F instead of E#

Scott Paul Johnson

Amazing course I have a blast learning, i have a question thou, is something like this possible: https://ibb.co/QYKg01m (link to the image) I am asking, because there is an information that sharps and flats cannot be together in one row. Is there a rule that sharps/flats cannot be the starters?

Michał S

Happy to hear that!

Scott Paul Johnson

I am a new student. I know major scale theory, but this was a nice review and refresher. Time to move on to the minor scale.

Kevin Musso

I'm new here and have just watched this first video. I've played guitar for a few years and can play chords and arpeggios but always found scales beyond me. I feel in this one lesson you have started to unlock the mysteries of the whole neck ! Thank you for your hard work !

Scott Burns

Would you encourage to learn the note names while one's learning to play these shapes or no need to stress but eventually we'll get the hang of it by practicing this daily?

Rohan Raj Bisht

Ask me a detailed question about this for my next livestream office hours and I’ll do my best to answer it thoroughly. If you could upload a video of what you’re struggling with that would be even better. I’ll post the next Q&A soon

Scott Paul Johnson

Like, what should be my goal while playing in slow speed, that the previously played string should still be touching the last played finger?

Rohan Raj Bisht

Rohan - this is exactly what practice is for. You are free to move on if you understand the concepts and can play the scales at any speed, but if you want to practice increasing speed here is what to do: Find the speed you can play very comfortably and write it down. Even if it is really slow. Get REALLY comfortable with that speed. Then, work on the next speed up until you're just as comfortable. This might mean you work on one speed for a few days or a week until you feel comfortable enough to move on. It takes time, but every minute you spend working on the simple stuff will really pay off later.

Scott Paul Johnson

Hi Scott, I'm new here! Loving it so far! My fingers are jumpy, they're not as close to the fret, so when the speed increases it becomes harder to be precise and sometimes can be painful. Any fix for this?

Rohan Raj Bisht

would it be possible to have a link to all pdfs? could be like a google drive folder or something even, just a thought. Loving the course and you're the only person I patreon for cause it's that worth it for me and i actually learn alot from your teaching style. Keep it up and kudos for actually doing something in unison with your passion, im jealous and thinking really hard these days how i can also do that for myself.

John

marvelous! My pathetic scales get better with each pass!

Daniel Julian Erickson

Indeed. I've now done both major and minor versions. Nice hearing from you (and seeing you here) Simon - small world! Scott must be doing something right. :)

Marc Cohen

Hey Marc, I think that might be the CAGED system stuff you're discovering!...

Simon Meacham

This lesson enforce my memory of chords of different keys. It’s a super wonderful lesson. Thank you Scott. Hopefully more people can discover your lessons here.

Kevin_Z_Seattle

Ahh!! a few pennies dropped or should i say a few Dimes for you guys. Where to play the scales in different positions :) Cheers Scott.

Michael

Cool! I haven't seen major scales explained by finding the notes along the low E string and then transpose the ones after the fifth fret to the higher strings.

Vinícius Ludwig Barbosa

Good lesson!

Stixinator

By the way, I sort of disassembled your compond diagram into these five separate patterns (https://mco.dev/img/majorscales.png). It seems to me that if you commit those five patterns to memory, you can play any major scale, in full or in part, anywhere on the fretboard. Am I understanding that correctly?

Marc Cohen

Awesome, thanks for the quick reply Scott. You're doing great work!

Marc Cohen

Hi Marc! This comes up later in the series - I wanted to be thorough about some concepts without spending TOO much time just on major scales. Once you get to the circle of fifths, a lot more stuff becomes obvious. But yes, essentially, just move everything up a whole step and you're good to go.

Scott Paul Johnson

I'm enjoying these C major scales, what if I wanted to turn this into the equivalent set of D major scales. Would I just use the same patterns but start on D as my root note, or shift everything up two frets, or something else?

Marc Cohen

Thanks for being here! I hope you enjoy it!

Scott Paul Johnson

Hi Scott! I've been watching /using your YouTube vids for about a week now. I am a "reginner" (first attempt was around 17 yo for a bit then gave it up and have now picked it back up again at 52 about a year ago). I have been looking for the best way to move out of the beginner stage and knew that (applied) theory was the route for me. The "applied" part is where most instructors fail. I heard a saying recently "When the student is ready, the teacher will come" and WHALA! Here you are! I am ready to continue growing on this journey, and am so glad to have found you to guide me! Your style, your patient approach, and your tech aides (Which are GREAT) are amazing! Can't wait to actually PLAY the guitar! Cheers!

Nick Bionda

Enrique! Welcome! At the bottom of every post before the comments section, there are a few underlined bits of text that end with .PDF - you should see them at the bottom of the post. Just click them and they should download!

Scott Paul Johnson

Hi Scott, I am new in the Patreon community . How do I get the PDF´s ?

enrique martinez

Yup, just realized that too, thanks for the aha moment!

Ryder Thompson

thanks

kenxin Hxc

Thankyou Scott, that would be great! would you recommend looking in to your caged system videos alongside this?

Stuart Cox

Stuart - enough people have asked about this that I'm going to redo the PDF and the lesson at some point to clear up confusion. Essentially, I am naming the scales after CAGED system shapes, but that isn't fair to those that aren't familiar with the CAGED system. Plus, if you're starting here, I wouldn't expect you to know CAGED! So, your confusion is understandable. This will make sense later, but I kind of just came out with that naming system with no explanation. For now, don't worry about those shape names and just focus on being able to play them!

Scott Paul Johnson

Turns out I was missing something obvious!....... The shape name corresponds to the string the scale starts at.... E,A,D,G and the C shape is the open scale...... I hope I have this correct?

Stuart Cox

I’ve got myself a little confused over this! I get the scale and the key concept with your english language analogy. But it’s the shape that gets me confused. on the third page of the lesson 1 homework, on the right hand side, there’s 2 C scales. one says A shape and one says E shape. but they look exactly the same. Am I missing something obvious?

Stuart Cox

you should watch Scott's video about CAGED shapes. It's really enlightening.

Kenan Akinci

Hello Scott, I love you videos. I'm an absolute beginner and I know essentials of music theory already but I never even touched guitar yet and I'm getting it in few days. Are there some videos that I should check on how to start playing? Thanks and have a great day!

jacobhovorka

Allright! Thank you! :D

Attila Szantovan

but also, no harm in finding other jam tracks too

Scott Paul Johnson

As you continue through the series, there are more and more jam tracks for practicing things like scales, triads, intervals and more coming!

Scott Paul Johnson

Hi, and thank you for the great work with these lessons. I was playing guitar for a while but just for fun and didn't take it to serious, but I have started from here from the first lesson and it is so much fun learning the fretboard and how everything is working. I would like to know if you have more jam tracks for the other scales or is it ok whatever I can find on the internet? Thank you again, and I keep up the good work! :D

Attila Szantovan

Nice lesson!!!!, very well edited and the graphics helps a lot!! makes a huge difference!! You are good teacher and a very good motion graphic designer too!!! Cheers mate!!.Where I can see the results of the home work??

Alex Rabasa Lopez

Hi Renee! This is something that will make sense further down the line. You can ignore it for now. It's part of the CAGED System - a helpful way to visualize the fingerboard. I'll go into more detail about it at some point, though my livestreams from last month cover this topic

Scott Paul Johnson

I don't get that either. I get the CAGED is that we are playing C up the neck in the different shapes, and I kind of see an open C chord in the first one, but I don't get the G shape, D shape business... what am I missing?

Renee E. Lastrapes

Great lesson Scott. I think you'll be the person to teach me improvisation and scales. A big thank you! I have one important question though. In the C Major Scale Practice play-alongs in the description, why do you call some ways to play the scale an "A Shape" or C Major Scale in an "E Shape", because to me they look nothing like an E-Shape or an A-Shape? This is the only big thing I didn't understand... Anyways thanks for a great lesson. I will watch the complete series on "Music Theory for Guitar", and I hope that's the right direction to go in for learning improvisation. Thanks - Tage

Tage Franzén

correct

Cohen McMahon

Hi Scott, my girlfriend Staci and I were working through this course and printed your PDF for Major W-W-H-W-W-W-H. Staci wanted to practice, and decided to try to use this worksheet for the key of F# (major). The 7th degree (according to your worksheet) should be an E#. But wait, there is no E#?!? This caused us to research, and... we found... it should indeed be called an E# (same note as an F)... the same way a Db should be called a C# in some cases. Very interesting! Just thought I'd share our findings with everyone, hope this helps!

George Brotherston

Think I've clicked now! The A shape D shape your referring to is the position in which you would play C in that position? So the progression goes through the positions in order C A G E D. Everything is relative to the key of C but in the positions you would use to play C as you move up the neck?

richard cannard

Yeah, I have the same question as Scott Medina. Not sure how these scales are relating to the shapes you are referring to. Am I supposed to see a G shape D shape etc? because I can't see these shapes in the scales.

richard cannard

I think the idea is that you're tying them to the pentatonic shapes?

Scott Medina

Dumb question ... probably ... why are you calling them C-A-G-E-D shapes in the key of whatever? So I'm going through the C play along and that's where you are saying A shape in the key of C or G shape in the key of C. I've heard of the caged system but i'm still learning.

Scott Medina

How long have you been working on it at this point? I'd say, spend some time practicing moving between just the first two shapes. Then when you're feeling more confident, practice transitioning between the second and third shape - continue like that until you're ready to try the track again. It may not be possible by then, but easier to imagine. Do this same routine a few times and you'll notice it getting easier.

Scott Paul Johnson

okay so i can do the first two shapes no problem so far. i can even do them to the beat with you. my question is what should i do if i can not transition between the different shapes like you? should i just keep doing the shapes on this exercise or is this too advanced for me? i have to think way too long about it and maybe even look back at the graph again but i can do the 70 bpm but only for one shape at a time.

Ezhark

Just signed up to become a member of this group who wants to learn from such an excellent teacher. So thankful that I reviewed your videos on UTube. I am not disappointed. You have lesson plans, notes, worksheets, review notes, practice play, and conversations. I can see that you love helping others. You are helping me to see how the foundations must be laid before picking up the guitar. Thanks. SPJ keeps on the path that defines which information must come first instead of too much too soon. I'm sooo excited!

Archiette Watts

Mike - thanks for joining! Amazing work! I'll keep the lessons coming!

Scott Paul Johnson

Hi Paul, I remember you from the house. Pleased to see you again. I’m learning guitar how to play. Thanks.

Isaac Pedro Agustí Fabado

Just getting started...love the music theory so far...spent 1.5 hr. on Sunday and got to 170 clean, tried 200 made it but needs some work...actually, a lot (fingers are toast). Thanks Scott, I'm actually enjoying this and looking forward to the next lessons. Really enjoy your style of teaching, keep it up...ridiculous good value!

Mike Holland

Woah. Sorry for the delay! The Play along videos are linked in the description of the lesson via BPM.

Scott Paul Johnson

Hi Denys! So glad you're enjoying Music Theory! That makes me so happy - I've attached the "note name scratch paper" PDF for download on this lesson now.

Scott Paul Johnson

Hey mate. Who ever thought I would enjoy music theory? 😉 At 12:46 in the vid you have a "note name scratch paper" for guitar. I can't find a link for that pdf? I've got the 4 pages for lesson 1 though.

Denys

Where do i find the play along video mentioned on Page 3 Lesson 1 practice sheets. Thanks

Ian Mackey

Hi Scott - I've been having lessons for the past eighteen months and 'chord bashing for about 6 years. The major scale formula was one of the firs things i was taught, but never really explained - now i understand. Thank you for your lesson. I'm looking forward to more of your lessons. Thanks again.

Ian Mackey

Wow! I am so grateful for you! I'll be more specific shortly but man I have found the land of Oz! So so so grateful for your clarity. Takes me 3 or 4 or 5 times with each video but wow...what difference in understanding for me

Lauren Felber

I really mean it, your lessons are great. I have learned a ton from you. I have been through tons of videos on youtube and I have books on theory etc etc. but you have really helped a lot of it makes sense in a very comprehensible way. I appreciate your love for music and the guitar and willingness and desire to share your knowledge, so again. Thank you!

Jason T Cunningham

Hell yeah Jason!

Scott Paul Johnson

Wow, took a small break, stretched the phalangies a bit and got the 170 bpm down. Then came the 200 bpm. Holy smoke. These are GREAT economy picking practices Scott! I love it, thank you!!

Jason T Cunningham

man i found my kryptonite at 170 bpm. still working on it though!!! This was a good, fun and interest exercise.

Jason T Cunningham

Anxious for the next lesson. Thanks for that, Scott!

Victor Parreiral Xavier

Link didn’t work? Ok. Plan B. Stay tuned

Scott Paul Johnson

Hey Scott, that link didn't work.

Nelson Sharp

Agreed! Found your YouTube and thought about how much you have put into sharing your info in a professional manner. Fantastic to say the least and I like homework. :)

Robbie Wright

Scott, well thought out and organized lesson. Progressive homework assignment keeps us good and busy while we wait for the next one. Thumbs up.

kent tomaselli

@Nelson Sharp ...This may help. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qp26KcDrGw&t=490s Just remember that the pentatonic scale is only 5 notes ...the major scale has two more notes in it.

kent tomaselli

Also 240 is REALLY fast and you don't need to go up there.

Scott Paul Johnson

Practice focusing on being quieter and more gentle when you're attempting the next step above 130. Your body wants you to tense up and use more muscles which will slow you down for sure. Maybe I'll make a lesson on this kind of thing. Its about tricking your body into relaxing like "hey this is no big deal"

Scott Paul Johnson

Never thought i'd enjoy practising scales.. ;) Cheers Scott!

Darren

I can play up to 130 bpm comfortably. But after that my hand and fore arm tense up. Is this just a case of repetition? How do you fathom 240 bpm?

Michael O'Donnell

Ok. I feel dumb because a partially get it. Where I seem to get it the least is with G. I am not seeing that shape for some reason. I am thinking of it in terms of an open G chord. Is that wrong?

Nelson Sharp

Hi Nelson. The scale shapes are the same outline as the CAGED pentatonic shapes, with two more notes added. And those shapes are based on the caged shapes system.

Scott Paul Johnson

is that doesn't work, I'll regroup and get back to you.

Scott Paul Johnson

whoops I meant to say the password is "cheese"

Scott Paul Johnson

Nelson! I am working on the facebook group - did this work?: https://www.facebook.com/groups/232431634672059 "CHEESE"

Scott Paul Johnson

I know you're saying not to worry about it. but I just want to understand what makes the "a" shape or "g" shape in these scales be considered that shape. I guess i'm just not seeing those shapes in the scale and just looking for the ah ha moment on it.

Nelson Sharp

yep, sure enough, I see it on that one :)

Ryan Arana

So far I've used the play-along videos for a half hour or so before work every morning since you posted them. Only 3 days now, and I can already see improvements! On the first day I could barely play the 150bpm one and struggled on the 130, now I'm getting comfortable with 150 and starting on 170! I've also been using the slower ones to link the notes I'm playing with the concepts in my head, saying the interval as I play it in both directions and then for the first measure of the 2 measure break between positions playing 1-3-5-8 along with the tones that play to really solidify where those important intervals are for that position. This has been huge! Thank you so much for these!

Ryan Arana

I figured it out - it only works on embedded videos, like the main one for this post. I think that is stupid and I want to get to the bottom of it.

Scott Paul Johnson

Hey Scott, I enjoyed this lesson. Looking forward to more of them. Even though this was mostly stuff I already knew, I still learned a couple things, and by the time you get to stuff I don't know I think I will be on the same page. I don't see the facebook link yet, but that sounds fun...

Nelson Sharp

shredding the major scale at 160bpm, that was quite fun :D thanks

Norbert Lazzeri

For what it’s worth I tried it on both Chrome and Safari, and the only options that show up in the gear are resolutions. Not that I really needed to slow it down, I’d just never seen a Vimeo video with a slowdown option so I was surprised to hear it would do that 😅

Ryan Arana

I liked this lesson a lot. The pentatonic and major scale shapes were very easy to remember (and play off the cuff) after watching you explain the intervals this way.

Jared Wofford

and thank you

Tasha McManus

Ok, so it looks like you are starting to lay out a ‘course of study’; a ‘start here’ type of thing, which you will be building on. Am I right?

Tasha McManus

Great way to format the lesson! Live the Play along!

RobbieD

This is great! Thank you for setting up a theory foundation series with clear practice steps to follow.

Roy

Weird - it looks like it only works on certain browsers or something. Bleh.

Scott Paul Johnson

Oh! It didn't on my machine on the one that you said to do the slowdown on (the play along overview https://vimeo.com/414907776/be70e659cf). Still doesn't, maybe it's a browser thing?

Ryan Arana

Food for thought, a lesson on reading sheet music would be helpful.

Jesus Denogean

Excellent, thanks for the review😷

Jesus Denogean

Hi Ryan. Vimeo does have slow down abilities! I just tried it! If it isn’t on all the videos, I’ll have to go in manually and make sure the option is selected

Scott Paul Johnson

These play along videos are fantastic, thanks Scott! But, FYI: no slow down abilities with Vimeo, that's a Youtube thing ;)

Ryan Arana