Step 1: Which scale? Start with the key
Songs are built from a handful of notes, and that set of notes is the key. A scale that uses those same notes can't clash with the chords. So the fastest scale finder is: work out the key, then pick the matching scale.
- Song sounds happy, resolves to a major chord: use the major scale of that chord (C major chord, C major scale).
- Song sounds sad or heavy, resolves to a minor chord: use the natural minor scale of that chord (A minor chord, A natural minor scale).
- Want something safe and bluesy: use the minor pentatonic on the minor root, or the major pentatonic on the major root.
Not sure of the key? The circle of fifths guide shows how to read it from the chords, and how every major key shares its notes with a relative minor: C major and A minor are the same seven notes, as are G major and E minor.
Step 2: The scale cheat sheet
Every scale is a recipe of steps from the root. Whole step = 2 frets, half step = 1 fret. Here are the scales most players need, written out for the key of A so you can check them against your guitar:
| Scale | Formula | Notes in A |
|---|---|---|
| Major | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 | A B C♯ D E F♯ G♯ |
| Natural minor | 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7 | A B C D E F G |
| Major pentatonic | 1 2 3 5 6 | A B C♯ E F♯ |
| Minor pentatonic | 1 ♭3 4 5 ♭7 | A C D E G |
| Blues | 1 ♭3 4 ♭5 5 ♭7 | A C D E♭ E G |
| Dorian | 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7 | A B C D E F♯ G |
| Mixolydian | 1 2 3 4 5 6 ♭7 | A B C♯ D E F♯ G |
Step 3: Where on the neck? One pattern, any root
Guitar's tuning is regular, so a scale shape is the same wherever you put it. Learn the shape once, then find the root note and place the shape around it. The first shape to learn is the minor pentatonic "box", with its root on the low E string.
| String | Frets (box 1, A minor) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1st (high e) | 5 · 8 | E · G |
| 2nd (B) | 5 · 8 | E · G |
| 3rd (G) | 5 · 7 | C · D |
| 4th (D) | 5 · 7 | G · A |
| 5th (A) | 5 · 7 | D · E |
| 6th (low E) | 5 · 8 | A · C |
To play it in another key, find that root on the low E string and put the box there. Root on fret 3 (G)? The same box now covers frets 3 to 6 for G minor pentatonic. Same shape, new key.
The low-E and A-string root trick
Roots on the 6th string and the 5th string are the two anchor points. Learn each scale shape from both, and you can reach any key within a few frets of wherever your hand already is. For the note names on those two strings, the fretboard memorization guide gives a fast method.
Which scale over which chord?
If you're improvising rather than playing a full song, match the scale to the chord you're sitting on:
| Chord | Safe choice | More color |
|---|---|---|
| Major (A) | A major pentatonic | A major scale |
| Minor (Am) | A minor pentatonic | A natural minor or A Dorian |
| Dominant 7th (A7) | A minor pentatonic / blues | A Mixolydian |
The modes, briefly
Modes are the major scale started from a different note. Same notes, different home base, different mood. You don't need all seven on day one. The two most useful:
- Dorian: minor with a raised 6th. It's the "cool minor" sound of a lot of funk, rock and jazz. D Dorian uses the notes of C major, starting on D.
- Mixolydian: major with a flat 7th. It's the sound of classic rock and blues-rock. G Mixolydian uses the notes of C major, starting on G.
A five-minute routine to actually learn a scale
- Pick one scale and one shape. A minor pentatonic, box 1, is a good first one.
- Say the notes while you play. Naming each one ties the shape to the fretboard, not just to muscle memory.
- Find the root in every octave. Notice where it repeats in the pattern; those are your landing notes.
- Play it over a backing chord. Hold an Am chord, play the scale, and hear which notes feel like home.
- Move it up two frets and repeat. B minor pentatonic, same shape.
Using Fretkit as a scale finder
You can do all of the above with a pencil and a guitar, but it's easier when the neck shows you. In Fretkit you pick a key and a scale (majors, minors, pentatonics, blues and the seven modes, on guitar or bass) and the matching notes light up across the fretboard with the roots marked. Tap any note to hear it, then pick a different key and everything follows, since the fretboard, chords and circle of fifths are connected. The essentials are free; some scales and positions, such as the exotic scales and the CAGED positions and boxes, are part of the paid unlock.
See any scale lit up on the whole neck
Fretkit shows scales and modes on an interactive fretboard for guitar and bass, with chords and the circle of fifths in the same key. Free to start, native for iPhone, iPad and Mac, and no account needed.
Get Fretkit on the App StoreFrequently asked questions
What scale should I play over a chord progression?
Work out the key, then play that key's major scale or its relative minor. For a progression in A minor, that's A natural minor, or A minor pentatonic for a simpler, safer sound. All the chords come from the same seven notes, so one scale covers the whole progression.
What is the easiest guitar scale to learn first?
The minor pentatonic. It has only five notes, fits under your fingers in one position, and sounds good over most rock, blues and pop progressions in a minor key.
How do I find the relative minor of a major key?
Go to the 6th note of the major scale. C major's relative minor is A minor; G major's is E minor. They share the same notes, so the same fretboard pattern works for both.
Do I need to learn all the modes?
No. Major, natural minor, pentatonic and blues cover most songs. Add Dorian and Mixolydian first once you can hear the difference.