This is going to be a theory related article where we will learn about the most common country guitar scales. Learning guitar theory is an important part of guitar playing. There are plenty of great guitarists that have never learned theory, but being a guitar player that knows how the instrument works will take you to new levels in your playing. I highly recommend that you spend some time learning theory.
Since this web site is all about teaching how to play country guitar, the scales that you will be learning are ones that are found in country music. Country music is different than jazz or blues, and each branch of music has different scales that are used. For country music, you will want to learn which scales are used, which chord progressions, which techniques, etc.
With that said, the most popular scales used in country guitar are the Major Pentatonic scales. There are multiple patterns for playing this scale. The most common pattern begins by starting on the 5th fret on the largest string (e string) with your pinky/fourth finger.
Take a look at the following picture. The “5″ represents the 5th fret where you start with your 4th finger. This is the most common pattern for playing country guitar scales. Each horizontal line represents a guitar string. The bottom line is the low E string. The highest line is the high E string. With a little practice, you will know this scale memorized. For further advanced practice, you can study what each and every note is that you play.
There are multiple patterns for playing this scale. The way the guitar is made makes it possible for multiple patterns. Some patterns are easier to play in certain areas of the guitar than others.
By studying this scale and the multiple patterns, you will be able to play along with certain chord progressions. Country guitar greats like Chet Atkins play most of their music in the major pentatonic. Take a listen to their songs and you will notice these patterns being played in the form of licks and lead guitar parts. For practice, grab your guitar and play notes in this pattern while listening to country songs. You’ll notice that this pattern works well with most country songs.
This is just a basic introduction to scales, with only the most popular being discussed. I recommend that you continue to seek out information on guitar theory because it is a very important part of guitar playing. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.
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The Internet has made a lot of changes in our lives. Before the internet, we were forced to visit our music teachers to learn the guitar, now there are programs that help us learn quickly and effectivley. It is no longer a hassle trying to get to your music lessons.
This was a lot of fun. Even as a rock player, I studied a lot of Chet Atkins and it did wonders for my playing. I’ll tell ya, you can think that you can play really well, but until you’ve picked up some chicken pickin’ licks – oh man does it put you in its place! I thought I was pretty good already, and then I had this bluegrass teacher show me some fast country instrumentals and it put me in my place! haha!!
Excellent lesson with great advice. I especially like how you stress the importance of guitar theory. I agree completely. Guitar theory is extremely important in a beginners quest toward becoming a good guitar player. I also enjoyed your lesson the Major Pentatonic. I had no idea it was so widely used in Country Music. I will be sure to add this scale in my daily practice sessions!
- Ralph
Well id say your entirely right but not on everything you pointed out about guitar warm-up!