The formula: W W H W W W H
Every major scale follows the same pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H) from the root: W W H W W W H. On guitar a half step is one fret and a whole step is two frets, so along a single string the frets climb by 2, 2, 1, 2, 2, 2, 1.
| C | D | E | F | G | A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step to next note | W | W | H | W | W | W | H | |
| Frets, A string | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
Start the same formula from another root and you get another major scale. From G on the low E string (3rd fret) it runs 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15 and spells G A B C D E F♯ G. The F♯ is what the formula demands: the seventh note must sit a half step below the octave G.
Pattern 1: C major in open position
This is the easiest place to hear the scale, because it uses open strings and stays within the first three frets.
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Low E | 0 – 1 – 3 | E F G |
| A | 0 – 2 – 3 | A B C |
| D | 0 – 2 – 3 | D E F |
| G | 0 – 2 | G A |
| B | 0 – 1 – 3 | B C D |
| High E | 0 – 1 – 3 | E F G |
Play it slowly from C up to the next C: A string fret 3, D string frets 0, 2, 3, G string frets 0, 2, B string frets 0, 1. Say the note names aloud as you go: C D E F G A B C.
Pattern 2: a movable shape (G major, frets 2 to 5)
Open strings cannot slide, so for other keys you need a pattern with no open notes. This one is built around a root on the low E string. Here it is in G major, with G on the 3rd fret.
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Low E | 2 – 3 – 5 | F♯ G A |
| A | 2 – 3 – 5 | B C D |
| D | 2 – 4 – 5 | E F♯ G |
| G | 2 – 4 – 5 | A B C |
| B | 3 – 5 | D E |
| High E | 2 – 3 – 5 | F♯ G A |
Moving it to other keys
Keep the shape and shift every fret by the same amount so the low E root lands on your key. For A major, move the whole pattern up two frets (A is the 5th fret of the low E string). For F major, move it down two (F is the 1st fret). The notes follow the formula, so the sharps and flats come out right automatically.
How to practise it
- Say the names. Name each note as you play it, up and down. Shapes without names are hard to use later.
- Find the roots. Mark the three G roots in the pattern (low E fret 3, D string fret 5, high E fret 3) and end every phrase on one of them.
- Play it over a chord. Hold or loop a G chord and play the scale against it. G, B and D sit comfortably on it; C and F♯ lean, so pass through them rather than stopping.
- Reuse it for the relative minor. The same seven notes starting on E give E natural minor, so this pattern also covers E minor.
Where the major scale fits
The chords in a major key come from its scale, which is why the major scale is the base for the circle of fifths and for CAGED chord shapes. If you are still choosing what to learn first, the four beginner scales puts the major scale in context, and the pentatonic scale is the five-note shortcut for soloing.
Seeing it on the neck
Pick a key and a scale in Fretkit and the notes light up across the fretboard with the roots marked, so you can check a pattern like the one above in any key. It shows you where the notes are; the practising is still yours.
See any major scale lit up
Fretkit lights up scales, chords and the circle of fifths on a fretboard you'll want to look at, plus a fast tuner. Free to start, for iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Get Fretkit on the App StoreFrequently asked questions
What is the major scale formula on guitar?
Whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half. In frets along one string: 2, 2, 1, 2, 2, 2, 1.
What are the notes of the C major scale?
C D E F G A B, with no sharps or flats. On the A string they sit at frets 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12 and 14, with the octave C at fret 15.
How do I play a major scale anywhere on the neck?
Use a movable pattern. The G major pattern above has its root on the low E string 3rd fret; slide it so that note becomes the root of the key you want.