In order to become a true guitar virtuoso the knowledge about scales is essential. Moreover, to freely exploit the musical arts one must also understand the concept of employing emotions in playing the cadence of the art. But this state of proficiency requires ample if not considerable time of practice. Not to mention the amount of trial and errors one must have to go through to finally perfect the craft of scaling.
Just a brief overview though as to what a scale is: A scale is rhythmic and melodic relationship of sound intervals that if sewn altogether will produce a tapestry of harmonic notes blending within the backdrop of chords. Theoretically, the concept of scaling elicits certain emotions to the listeners, making the sounds that they hear more relating. Throughout time, scales were put into perspectives contemporary to the genre of music at a given period, thus, we have what we call modes. Examples of modes are the pentatonic scale, the fundamental scale where most modes and licks are derived, the Latino-Mexican accented Phrygian scales of flamenco back tracks and other Spanish inspired instrumentals, and notably, the metal scales of hard rock music. These are just some of the many interpretations of musical scales. Some artists even, like Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, Stevie Ray Vaughan whom have become connoisseurs of the craft, have improvised their own versions of the modes. Here are some of the mostly noted and used contemporary guitar scale modes.

  1. The Blues Scale
    The blues scale is perhaps the most popular and widely used scale in different artistic varieties of the contemporary times. Like the blues legends, Les Paul Gibson, BB King, and Jimmy Hendrix, all have mastered the art of employing the country touch to music. The blues scale’s origins are unknown, but they are greatly associated with the African culture.
    Such scales are so emotionally oriented that they elicit feelings reflective of the author (the one performing the scales). Some are implicit of grief and sadness, some of joy, some even of anger. Perhaps the reason why the blues is scale is the most employed scale is its less complexity. Unlike any other modes of scale which requires an intricate transition of one mode to the other, the blues scale requires less of this technicality but more of emotions.
  2. The Phrygian Scale
    This mode of scale is more Latino-Mexican oriented. This scale has been considerably used in flamenco music and dances. This mode is applied on minor chords and elicits a dark touch to the minor rhythm. It has become increasingly popular since the flamenco has turned into a mainstream Spanish musical representation.
  3. Ionian(Major Scale)
    The Ionian or more commonly known as the major scale is a scale mainly applied on major chord progressions. The sweet sounding tone of the major scale has gain popularity due to being by far a very basic scale to know when one is new to the concepts of scaling since it is simply the “Do-re-mi’s” of a note.

These are just three of the seven major modes of the scale.There are still other modes that induce unique accents and emotions to your guitar playing just waiting for you to learn. So why not spice up your playing a bit. Learn all of these fun modes and try applying them into your routine scale practices. There are a dozen’s of guitar lessons and instructional videos promoted online and soon our site will have our own tutorial videos as well. Just keep yourselves posted. Enjoy!

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