7-note scale · also called Ionian mode

The major scale on guitar

The do-re-mi scale: seven notes, bright and resolved, and the reference point every other scale is measured against.

Formula

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Step pattern

W – W – H – W – W – W – H

Sounds

bright, stable and happy

The major scale is the foundation of Western harmony. Its pattern of whole (W) and half (H) steps, W–W–H–W–W–W–H, produces the familiar do-re-mi sound, and every interval name you will ever see (♭3, ♯4, ♭7) is measured against it.

On guitar the major scale matters for two reasons. First, it is the scale behind most pop, rock, country and folk melodies. Second, its seven modes (Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Locrian) all use the same shapes started from different notes, so learning the major scale well gives you the modes almost for free.

Harmonise the major scale by stacking every other note and you get the seven chords of a major key: I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi and vii°. That is why a song in G major tends to use G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em and F♯°: they are built entirely from the notes of the G major scale.

C major by scale degree

Here is C major across the neck, labelled by scale degree instead of note name. Because guitar shapes are movable, this same pattern works in every key: slide it so the red root lands on the note you want.

Major scale in all 12 keys

Pick a key for its notes, chords and fretboard diagrams.

When to use it

Use the major scale over songs in a major key, over major chords and major 7th chords, and anywhere the music sounds settled and upbeat.

Practice tip: Learn one shape rooted on the 6th string and one rooted on the 5th string. Between them you can play the major scale in any key without leaving one area of the neck.