I just started Grade 4 and learned the 1st Major scale pattern. Justin’s example is in the key of G. I have a silly question because I have a terrible habit of going to other YouTube videos to confirm what I have learned.
If I apply this same pattern, but let’s say starting on the 5th fret of the E string (A note), would this be calling it the major scale in the Key of A? I would keep the same major shape/pattern but just begin everything on the A note.
For example, if someone told me to play the major scale in the key of B, can I apply this same pattern/shape anywhere on the fret as long as it starts on B because B would be the root note? Man, asking questions about this in writing is tough, lol.
Each pattern has a root note. Start that pattern on that root note and its that scale.
So you have 12 frets on the E string, pattern 1 would be any of those 12 notes/keys if started on that notes fret.
The trick next is to learn the other patterns so you can play any key in the same position just by using the right pattern that hits the root note under your hand.
Certainly not a silly question. Quite.the opposite. You’ve discovered the first critical piece of building your mental framework on the guitar : root notes.
No, you’d be playing the same scale patter / mode with a new root note
If you played this pattern (1) then moved up the fret using the same scale but patter 2 that could be said to be changing mode ( but not the Ionian, Dorian, Phrygia kinda mode…)
Hi Rob,
Maybe I misunderstand you, but you have modes in series and modes in parallel… so I think that’s what Rick also means by it (I’m guessing)
Greetings
I may have misunderstood @Libitina question.
I thought she meant if your playing in a mode and moved the pattern up would you still be playing the same mode but in a different key. But from the replies Now think she meant "Are you changing to a different mode. So the answer would be No, unless you stayed in the same Key.
This would be the difference.
If you’re playing the E shape(pattern 1) of the major scale and move the whole pattern up a full tone you would be playing the in next major Key. for example moving the G major scale (pattern 1) up two frets you will now be playing the A major scale.
If you stay in the G Major scale(pattern 1) but start that scale on the note A (second note of the scale) as your tonal center you are changing Modes. From Ionian to Dorian.
And if you dive deep enough down that 3 minor, 3 major pentatonic and 1 diminished scales on the same placement of the fret boards. It’s scary what you can do with 7 notes.
Ok, I have read through the previous answers on this but still have a question. I understand that moving the shape up with the Root note on the A changes the mode and the key. If I wanted to stay in the same mode but only switch keys, is there a lesson that addresses how this is done?
Modes is a fairly advanced concept. I just looked and there are some lessons but they are subscription only. He does mention modes in one of Lees’ lessons, around 35 min mark.
But I think you need to be very comfortable with the basic scales (major, pentatonic, etc) , before you start concerning yourself with modes.
A summary to bring several questions and answers together.
Yes. It is a movable scale pattern. The root note determines the key / name of the scale. The pattern stays the same and gives a major scale:
Do Re Mi Fa So La Te Do.
I would advise caution. The trick is to gain decent mastery of pattern 1 in several keys / positions on the neck before learning further patterns.
No.
Modes are something else much further down the line. This is simply the fact that the scale patterns being learned are movable. When the root note and the pattern move, the major scale is being played in a different key. Try to avoid that modes question if you’re just learning the major scale from the beginning.
If you’re playing modal music and want to switch key, you will be playing movable patterns so use the concept of moving the scale pattern. Modes topic here: Modes Parts 1 - 9
Ah, you have written a long post about modes. That should cover everything people need to know. But I think this is the best advice…
I’ve been working on pentatonic scales over the past year. I do try the G maj scale pattern as a finger exercise, but I can’t see myself actually using it in for quite a while. As for modes…
)
3 minor, 3 major pentatonic and 1 diminished scales on the same placement of the fret boards. It’s scary what you can do with 7 notes.
