The importance of the scales in music is fundamental in harmonic and melodic construction.
In the theory section you can broaden your theoretical knowledge of scales, using a series of tables that are easy to memorize. In this section we will understand how to graphically visualize a scale on the fretboard of the guitar.
A scale is the result of a succession of tones and semi-tones based on a well defined system, that can be represented either in traditional stave notation or in tablature form. In the following example you will see the scale of C major with classical writing for guitar.
A more immediate system of visualization can be obtained using the tables of the scales. We always find a section of the fretboard where the numbers on the string line indicates which fret and string must be pressed by the fingers of the left hand.
The difference between the scale and chord systems is in the fact that a chord is a simultaneous overlap of the notes, while the scales are notes played in sequence. In music, learning to use the tables of the scales is vital.
We will start with the graph below that is similar to the horizontal table of the chords.
On the fretboard you can see the four fingers of the left hand, that identify which of these presses the string. In this case the ring finger presses the fifth string at the 3rd fret, obtaining the C note (DO).
In this way we can also easily see the name of the notes on the fretboard. With this system you will see the fingerings regarding the major scales in the first position, but it's best to learn to use the definitive system, which puts the numbers of the fingers directly on the fretboard, as seen below:
This system makes it much easier to memorize the scales. For now we will place the two models alongside each other.
Continuing with the construction of the fingering, we find the fourth string open, identified by the 0 beside that string line. When performing the scale, you need to play one note after the other in succession.
After having played C and D, the middle finger presses the fourth string at the 2nd fret (the E note)
We now add the F note. Remember that, even if you see the notes (or the numbers of the fingers) all together, they must be played in succession. You can decide for yourself which is the better technique, by practicing with the fingerings of the scales.
Here is the graph of the C major scale in the first position, seen in both systems.
At this point you should be ready to study the scales, which starts from the first position. The section concerning the study of the scales is very large, in that it includes all the scales in the various positions. For those who are studying the scales for the first time, I suggest that you follow all the exercises.
You can start studying these exercises in the fingerings section of the scales.
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