The five Majors Types

First of all we must verify five models of scales, that we will visualize in the second position. These fingerings, called type 1, 4, 2, 3, and 1A, will be seen in five different roots. We will work with these for a short time in order to build confidence with the fingering, then we will transport them into each root, adapting them to the entire fretboard. Later we will also learn the other types.
In this section, there is one exercise for each of the five types. Perform the scale by starting from the lowest root, climbing to the highest, going down to the lowest note and finally returning to the starting root. The roots within every fingering are always identified in blue and are combined to the finger that presses the root. The system is similar to that described in the study of all the fingerings in the various models of the scales, such as the pentatonics scales. Its important also to use the suggestions regarding the learning methods. Work on one type at a time using the same study and memorization procedures. Do not go to the next type until you have memorized the previous type.

Type 1
Root of
C Major

Lets quickly analyze the fingering in order to clarify any doubts. As you can see, type 1 is a five fret fingering. The scale is played in the second position, indicated by the Roman numeral placed on the second fret. The finger stretching is done by finger 1 (index) on the first, fifth and sixth strings. Remember not to move the hand when you stretch the finger: just the index finger to the previous fret. In the score, you should play the scale by starting and finishing on the root. Always perform the scale slowly in order to understand the structure and to memorize the fingering. Follow the same procedure for the other scales.


Type 2
Root of
G Major


Type 3
Root of
D Major


Type 4
Root of
A Major


Type 1A
Root of
F Major



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