In this lesson you will begin working with movable scale patterns. By playing a pattern that uses no open strings, it is possible to play all of the major scales. You will eventually learn five patterns, but don’t rush into learning them; it is far better to have full command of one or two patterns than to memorize all of the patterns without being able to use them effectively in your music.
The first scale pattern you will learn has tonic (the starting point of the scale or name of the scale or key) on the sixth string, under your second finger. Notice that the pattern starts one note before tonic (scale degree 7) and ends with the note immediately following tonic (scale degree 2). The scale patterns start and stop on notes other than tonic, so that you will be able to know and use all of the scale tones that are within reach. If you want to hear the sound of the scale as you are used to hearing it (do, re, mi, etc.), you can simply play from one tonic to the next one.
To play this pattern correctly, determine in which position you want to play by finding tonic (the note that is the name of the scale), and putting your second finger on that note. Then, place one finger on each fret and follow the fingering below, keeping your hand in the same position throughout. Here is the fingering:
Practice this scale in all positions and be aware of the name of the scale each time you play it. Use a metronome and make sure you always use the correct fingering. Remember to play with sustain, paying particular attention to the 4th finger, which may pop off the string too early as you prepare for the next string in the ascending scale. When you’re ready, you can incorporate ear training by singing the scale degree numbers as you play.