Reference
Scale library
The scales every guitarist should be fluent in, each with its formula in scale-degrees and an interactive fretboard. Switch the root by editing the diagram's data-root; the patterns transpose.
Major scale
Formula: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 — the parent of Western music. Whole-Whole-Half-Whole-Whole-Whole-Half.
C major
Natural minor scale
Formula: 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7 — the relative minor of the major scale. Same notes as the major scale starting from the 6th degree.
A natural minor
Harmonic minor scale
Formula: 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 7 — natural minor with a raised 7th. The Spanish / classical / metal sound.
A harmonic minor
Melodic minor scale
Formula: 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 7 — natural minor with raised 6th and 7th. Used in jazz over minor chords.
A melodic minor
Major pentatonic
Formula: 1 2 3 5 6 — major scale minus the 4th and 7th. Country, folk, pop melodies.
G major pentatonic
Minor pentatonic
Formula: 1 ♭3 4 5 ♭7 — natural minor minus the 2nd and ♭6th. The blues/rock workhorse.
E minor pentatonic
Blues scale
Formula: 1 ♭3 4 ♭5 5 ♭7 — minor pentatonic plus the "blue note" (♭5). Used for blues, rock, fusion.
E blues
The seven modes of major
Each mode is the major scale starting from a different degree. Same notes, different feel — because the root changes.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7
1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7
1 2 3 ♯4 5 6 7
1 2 3 4 5 6 ♭7
1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7
1 ♭2 ♭3 4 ♭5 ♭6 ♭7