Major Scales for Classical Guitar

Major Scales for Classical Guitar

Major Scales for Classical Guitar – PDF Sheet Music and Tab for Classical Guitar. Beginner to Intermediate Classical Guitar. PDF includes notation, TAB, fingering, some diagrams, tips, and more. 32 pages. 2019 Edition.

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Includes: Common open and closed scale patterns up to four sharps or flats, two octaves (some three octaves), and examples of open string shifts. Also includes the five closed major scale patterns over the entire fretboard. Video lessons for the book and all scales via YouTube.

What is this book? This book is for the development of fretboard knowledge and technique for beginner to intermediate classical guitar. It is a manageable amount of information intended for students looking for a foundation in major scales. If a student can gain a foundation in major scales they will be much more prepared for the extensive world of minor scales and modes. I highly recommend you study Aaron Shearer’s Scale Supplement following the completion of this book to continue your progress and reading skills.

How comprehensive is it? I wanted this book to be straight-forward and manageable. Therefore, I’ve only included common scale patterns up to two octaves, except where three octaves are feasible. I have also limited the book to key signatures containing no more than four sharps and flats. That said, the final section of this book covers the entire fretboard and represents a significant study of major scales on the guitar. I hope these pages will introduce students to a number of concepts before studying other books and music theory.

YouTube Video Lessons for the 2019 Edition

How should I study this book? Students with more experience may wish to start their study with the final section of this book on the Five Closed Major Scale Patterns Over the Entire Fretboard. This is an intense amount of information but will be relatable to all the scales in this book. Beginners can start by simply playing only the open position scales in each key.

Recommended Followup Books by Other Publishers

Scale Pattern Studies For Guitar, Supplement 3 by Aaron Shearer – I highly recommend using this method during or after you feel confident with the patterns in my book. Shearer’s book is excellent and reinforces solid melodic sight reading and usage of scales in both major and minor keys.

RCM Theory Books – I recommend using theory books with a teacher to gain a real understanding of music theory. For just an overview or self study you could try the Berklee Theory Book or the Hal Leonard Music Theory for Guitar which includes guitar diagrams etc but it’s very difficult to retain the info in overview books or without a teacher.

Jazz Books – Another excellent way to gain scale and fretboard knowledge is through jazz books. Jazz and improvisation in general is a great way to engage with scales in a meaningful way.

Bradford Werner
Bradford Werner

Bradford Werner is a classical guitarist and music publisher from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. He originally created this site for his students at the Victoria Conservatory of Music but now shares content worldwide. Curating guitar content helps students absorb the culture, musical ideas, and technique of the classical guitar. Bradford also has a YouTube channel with over 94,000 subscribers and 13 million views. He taught classical guitar at the Victoria Conservatory of Music for 16 years and freelanced in Greater Victoria for 20 years and now dedicates much of his time curating content online and helping connect the classical guitar community. See more at his personal website.

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  1. I was looking for the same thing for minor.
    Unfortunately I can’t find it in your collection.
    Minor is a bit trickier ascending and descending. So I’m curious about your approach.