Basic Scale Study

This study uses continuous 8th notes to play through the chord changes. Most of the lines are built from major scales, but you’ll also come across harmonic minor and altered scales in the right spots.

Playing steady 8th notes like this is a solid way to get to know the scales and the fretboard. To keep the line going, you’ll need to connect scale notes across positions you might not normally use. That pushes you to break out of familiar patterns and see the full layout of each scale.

This is not an easy exercise, take it slow at first. Focus on clean fingerings, smooth connections, and knowing which scale you are playing.

The text in blue shows the scale being used over each chord.

For example:

• Over a II V I in F major, you’ll see F major scale written under all three chords (Gm7, C7, and Fmaj7).
• Technically, when you play an F major scale over Gm7, you’re outlining the G Dorian mode.
• Over C7, it’s the C Mixolydian mode.
• ➜ But instead of thinking of a different mode for each chord, it’s more practical to think of the entire progression as being in F major.

Backing Track

Listen & Play-Along