Beginning guitarists should learn several guitar scales well. Learning the chromatic, natural, and major scales provides beginners with a solid foundation for playing their instrument proficiently.
Chromatic Scales
I teach all my students to play an E chromatic scale on the first string in their first lesson. To play the scale, play the string open, then play all the notes in order from the first fret to the twelfth fret.
The student does not learn the names of the notes at this time; he focuses on proper technique of fingering and sounding each note.
In one of their early lessons, I then teach them to play an E chromatic scale across the strings in first position. I encourage them to use this scale regularly as a warm-up exercise for their playing.
Learning the chromatic scales is a foundational skill that I stress with all my students. Playing these scales with good technique teaches the student many important skills and also helps train their ears.
Natural Scales
Having taught them to play the two E chromatic scales, I teach them to play an A natural scale. Learning a natural scale helps the student learn the names of the notes and which notes have sharps/flats between them and which ones do not.
My students also learn to play an E natural scale across the strings in first position. By learning this scale, the student learns to name all the natural notes in first position.
Learning to play natural scales in multiple positions and on all the strings helps in learning the guitar fretboard well. Knowing the fretboard well is vital for becoming a skilled guitarist who can play at advanced levels.
Major Scales
In addition to teaching them to play chromatic and natural scales, I teach them to play an E major scale on the first string.
I also teach them to play a movable major scale in 4th position. Learning this scales serves many important purposes in the training of skilled guitarists.
Learn These Guitar Scales Well!
Anyone who wants to be a skilled guitarist should learn these guitar scales well. Good teachers should stress the importance of doing so with all their students.
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