scales

TRACKS 23-24

Minor pentatonic scale

Bb C Scale notes (in G): G DF b3 b7 Intervals: 14 5 When to use it: Play G minor pentatonic over a G5-C5-D5 powerchord progression for blues-rock with attitude

This is usually the first scale shape learned by aspiring lead guitarists. It’s also a core part of the styles of players such as Chuck Berry, Jimmy Page, Slash and many more. Start on a G note, as shown here, and you’ll be playing G minor pentatonic; start on A and it’s A minor pentatonic, and so on for other key signatures.

Mixolydian scale

Scale notes (in A): AB C# D E F# G b7 Intervals: 123456 When to use it: Try A Mixolydian over an A7-D7-E7 blues progression for a brighter sound than the minor pentatonic or blues scale.

Also known as a ‘mode’, the A Mixolydian scale is just like the A major scale (A B C# D E F# G#) but b 7th. featuring a That means the seventh note is a semitone lower than in the major scale – so instead of G# you play G natural. It sounds less bright than the major scale – perfect for bluesy noodling over powerchords and ‘dominant’ chord progressions (A7, D7 etc).