Classical Guitar Scales: the 5 shapes

www.ClassicalGu... (free pdf below) Learn all about the five primary shapes of classical guitar scales in this video. Scales are great for the hands, and make everything you play better.
Get a free pdf of these shapes, as well as bonus videos (all free) at www.ClassicalGu...
Right hand scale demo: • Right Hand Scale Demon...
Classical Guitar Shed is an exploration of music, skill, and daily endeavor on the classical guitar. Find articles, courses, tutorials and more at www.ClassicalGu....
To learn about good right hand scale technique, go to www.classicalgu...
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Classical Guitar Scales: the 5 shapes: • Classical Guitar Scale...
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If you would like to hear me (Allen Mathews) playing, visit my other youtube channel: / allenmathews

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

Learn more about the 5 Scales Shapes and get your Free PDF: www.ClassicalGuitarShed.com/classical-guitar-scales/

[@nickrobinson938]

I found it in the end.... but thanks. I love these scale shapes, I only wish I had them when I was much younger. Your teachings will influence many students in a very positive way. I recommend your method.

[@Ollivier10x56]

I hope you continue with this values videos, thank you so much bud

[@manjitdhyani9878]

@@nickrobinson938 ppppp

[@dilligafwoftam985]

Alan I'm a bit confused ... I'm using a book 'The Segovia Scales' (by Sean Thrower) and he, Segovia, has 24 major and minor scales from the Circle of Fifths which he then plays with 8 patterns. How does what you have here 'fit' with Segovia's work? Thanks in advance.

[@DaviSilva-oc7iv]

@@manjitdhyani9878 pianississississimo

[@pierrefraser1562]

I've been at it for 2 years+, starting at 67 yrso. Wish I could afford personal lessons. In any case, I believe what you are giving away will eventually come back to you. Thank you so much.

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

Thanks Pierre! Best of luck with your music. Best, Allen

[@Ax4400]

Same here 67 lol

[@harrykuheim6107]

You Tube is full of free lessons you can watch 500 times if you want ... at any time of the day.... 24/7/365...just watch and practice...you can slow then down too by clicking on the gear Icon in the lower right hand corner of the Video....magic

[@justinc9732]

I'm 36 just starting and hope I make it to 67 whilst playing guitar everyday.

[@dougarnold7955]

Yes, KZbin is awesome. If I'd had it 30 years ago things probably would have been different...but now is now so enjoy it!!

[@Lutemann]

These five forms were developed by Aaron Shearer back in 50s I believe. You can hook them together and make what he called a comprehensive scale. He also had five forms for the harmonic and melodic minors.

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Thank you! As a violinist I could never get my head around that B string. Just moving it up a fret makes total sense and I can totally think with it.

[@jonathancordova718]

Many years late but, at some point this video made everything kind of click in my head. I was so overwhelmed before because I couldn't understand the way scales interacted and moved around, but you explained it in a way that just made me understand. Thank you.

[@TomHuntMusicTuition]

Have been working hard on improving my classical guitar playing lately and you have been a great help - thank you!

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

tomhunt107 That's great to hear! Happy to help, cheers, Allen

[@MrSmithOriginal]

2:35 about scales. The best lesson I ever got was this advice. Thank you.

[@kevinkosmatka7923]

True

[@mugensamurai]

Thank you Elrond, for sharing how to play classical guitar scales in the elven way.

[@silver-glass]

That's Lord Elrond...😉

[@arlarl5122]

I’m not sure why he’s referring to them as “classical “ guitar scales - they’re just scales; the only thing classical is the picking technique.

[@DaviSilva-oc7iv]

Elven way? You mean the way the elves did?

[@captainheinie6355]

When I first started to play the classical guitar, (10 years ago), In short. I took advice and payed for many, many lessons. After a while, I realised my playing was not improving, so I decided to carry on learning by myself, with the aid of books. I still have not improved, I have however, looked at some of your videos, and I can see that I was taken to the cleaners with the lessons I had payed for. Your instruction and explanations FAR out way what I have been paying for before. Many thanks for your time and instruction. Respect to you and your craft.

[@espelhogamer]

Been playing piano and got my music education and comprehension from the keys layout (for example to judge intervals my mind pictures the actual keys, etc). That said, this video has helped me a lot on the guitar, since the layout never made sense to me and I found it hard comprehending it. Thank you very much!

[@leonechiro1]

Love His personality and facial expressions, Very Authentic and genuine!! TY

[@dromeus21]

First of all I want to thank you for all your tips and advises, aside the lessons you give.🙏 About what you said at 5:10 I just started to learn scales and stuff, so yesterday I was practicing the open c scale, and almost by accident I learned to play an old french kid song!💡

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

Enrico Alighieri Thanks so much for the kind words! Glad to hear your practice is going well. Cheers, Allen

[@dpwsworldoffunstuff6901]

+Classical Guitar Shed can you do one of these on the segovia scales? im learning them in class. much appreciated!

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

+bobby smith Hi Bobby, here you go: www.classicalguitarshed.com/courses/learn-segovia-scales/

[@Vermillionumbrella]

Classical Guitar Shed hey man. I'm metalhead but I'm amazed by jazz and classical. any tips or scales

[@blackops9572]

Arent scale shapes simply supposed to help play a scale all around the fretboard. Whats withe the c a g e d shapes soooo confusing

[@victorpavlov5140]

+Classical Guitar Shed This was great, thanks, been searching for "five major scale patterns" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Vonizabeth Strumming Magnitude - (should be on google have a look ) ? Ive heard some decent things about it and my brother in law got cool results with it.

[@captainred441]

Thanks for the video! I'm a pianist, so you can imagine it's not too easy numbering one's fingers differently - still battling to see my ring finger as no.3. And to remember that the e-shape starts on f sharp, the d-shape on e, etc, took some translation. But it took me about 6 days of learning a little bit every day and now I can play all 5 shapes reasonably. Thanks so much for the helpful video, I'm going to start on the one for the right hand action today.

[@LynnePedigoRidayReiter]

Gotta have scale practice no matter the instrument. I am transferring from piano and folk guitar to serious interest in learning classical guitar. Good teaching, I will be using this video a lot.

[@dougarnold7955]

I'm gonna come back to this one. At first I didn't get the scale diagrams but by the end of the video I was like 'oh! Okay...' I love Classical guitar but I'm not very schooled in it. I saw Sharon Isbin live in Shreveport in 92 she was amazing. I've played guitar since 77, I'm 53.

[@vincentvanpot4333]

I've only watched your lessons a few times and I'm already and motivated to begin lessons with you. My 'stimulus check' should be here next week, I'll be purchasing a classical guitar then.

[@girlgeniusnyc272]

That's what I did!

[@vincentvanpot4333]

@@girlgeniusnyc272 I love New York and New Yorkers, I spent 18 days in Manhattan! It was heaven. Love their accent and their sense of humor is so funny.

[@russpalmeri]

This is GREAT! I was just assigned these this week. Your video will be very helpful. Your presentation is terrific. It's like you're in the room for a lesson, speaking just to me. Thanks!

[@ashishawasthi4350]

thanx so much... this was just what I was looking for... no pretentious self glory.. pure teaching of scales.. just like a teacher...

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

Thanks, Ashish!

[@ivanpozzutocapelli6633]

What he speaks are really useful, guys. If we want to learn, we must to incorporate words, listen a lot before practicing. There is a lot of videos on KZbin that you really don't have to listen, so please, select a channel that fits your needs instead of complain.

[@callahlalnr]

I like the name you gave some chords cowboy, that is where I see them used the most on country songs.

[@fernandavillalvazo2329]

I really like your videos!. You are a good teacher and I do like that you take the time to explain the exercise before and how you do it.

[@AllenMathews11]

Fernanda Villalvazo Thanks Fernanda!!

[@antoniopuccini2066]

This is the most useful, well-presented and indeed, essential, video I use, out of all the resources and videos available on KZbin and other websites. Returning to classical guitar after 30 years of strumming and singing, I needed to unlock the mystery of "the rest of the guitar", having been strumming chords on the first four frets. I need to wear out some frets above G! It is hard repetitive work but after just a few days at an hour a day, I am really beginning to feel a lot easier and certainly more confident. I mix the exercises with repetitive arpeggios and then have a go at some simple studies to finish with. Thank you for this brilliant video.

[@amandahardy886]

I'm about to start college, and one of the courses I'm taking is a classical guitar course. I've been playing normal acoustic and electric guitar for years but I wanted to challenge myself in learning a new style to better my playing and extend my knowledge. This was extremely helpful for me in learning my scales, which previously had totally confused me but I had to learn in order to take the course. Had some trouble with the video not keeping up with the audio but I think it was just my laptop. Thank you so much!

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

Thanks for the note, Amanda. Good luck at the new school!!

[@amandahardy886]

+Classical Guitar Shed Thank you so much!

[@christiannianiaris2584]

just picking up the guitar again after 7 years. you're awesome, brother. thanks

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

Thanks so much, Christian! You're awesome.

[@deonal]

OMG!!! The warp refraction threshold!!! like a dream come true :)

[@jodyguilbeaux8225]

i thought WRT was a space time shift between rosen bridges caused by a jump in the cosmic glide drive path system. just saying

[@bradleymaroney]

the warp refraction threshold! how epic! i love it. keep up the good work.

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

Bradley Maroney Right? I found it hilarious!

[@gavinbrown4655]

just started playing classical guitar and this video has been extremely helpful! Thank you so much!

[@HebaHosni]

Thank You Allen! you are a great teacher the only one I find clear and practical

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

Hi Heba, Thanks so much! I hope it helps. Cheers, Allen

[@4c00h]

I know nothing about guitar but play the piano .. this is most definitely helpful with understanding the guitar, thanks!

[@arijitguha8037]

I must say this has been a super useful lesson for me. You have simplified the complex. Thanks a ton !

[@dwighta8655]

I love your DMV comment. I WISH the DMV would have a classical guitar player on site, it would make the wait a lot more pleasant.

[@DannyEye2704]

this is excellent, just getting into classical guitar after sheer bewilderment of this wondeerful instrument, i plan on watching all your vids thank you!

[@Tacomaholic]

Great video Allen. As a beginner I can say that this is a good tendon exercise as well. The backside of my palm gets tired quickly doing one of these scales several times.

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

+boogie3478 Thanks Boogie! That's great so long as it's muscle tiredness and doesn't get nervey. If so, make sure that your wrist is not overly bent (just a bit bent, not at right angles or anything). Good luck!

[@Tacomaholic]

+Classical Guitar Shed Absolutely. I'm keeping my wrist and fingers in "proper" classical form. The focused movements are just new to the left hand fingers and hand, so they fatigue easily for the time being. I've noticed that when I practice these scales using only my left hand, my left hand fingers are easy to control and keep from drifting too far from the strings. However, they begin to drift farther from the strings when I combine the left hand with the right hand IM alternations. Is that normal?

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

+boogie3478 Ah, interesting! This may be a couple of things. First, it may be that when you add your RH, you attention wanes and the LH gets wiley. To test this, use just your thumb in your RH, and focus all your attention on the LH. Second, it may be a tension crosstalk between hands. For any type of troubleshooting, the first step is to simplify things. Again, just the thumb the RH. You may also just play 1234 in the LH instead of the scale pattern, for simplicity. Focus on the tension in your body, face, hands, tongue, wherever, and gently release it. In time you'll gain more awareness of things like this. It just takes practice. As you get comfortable with one combination, gradually introduce in more complexity (scale pattern, RH I and M, etc). Good luck! Cheers, Allen

[@Tacomaholic]

Classical Guitar Shed I'll definitely stick with it. Thanks Allen.

[@oldmanandthesea7039]

At 9:40, the finger pattern on G string should be “1 34”, not “12 4”, then the shift happens on B string “1 34” and high E string “1 34”. Since the scale begins on A string, so there are a total of five strings used, not six strings as your diagram suggested. Same thing happens for the two shapes that follow. Personally, I think you probably need to change the diagram for better alignment so the students won’t be too confused.

[@SomeDude.1117]

The pattern on the G string is in fact "1 34". I think you, the commenter, are confused. However, the shape is messed up on the 1st string. The diagram shows the 4th finger playing a ♭7 (even though he does not play it).

[@lylewells5660]

I agree its a little confusing. I think he's too smart for teaching. I think even though he starts on A or string 5 the diagram starts on E the 6th with 2 4 but I could be way off.

[@rc0mplex]

Love this video. Thanks so much - your tips helped me learn these 5 scale patterns in just a few days.

[@Cabronosidad]

Thanks. Been playing classical for over 30 years and never got round to learning scales, or didn't have the patience more like. Excellent.

[@JWARD3045]

I slowed this down to 0.75 speed for better understanding.

[@suzannfulbright5652]

Seriously, I had to play the first part a dozen times before I got my head around it, and I have had previous training.

[@prateekguleria]

You are coolest teacher buddy ...cheers

[@sharon7382]

I finally get it! I've been struggling to understand how these shapes 'work' for a long time. Thank you!

[@taur611]

I wish I had an instructor like this when I was younger instead of some heavy metal weirdo.

[@davidfangz]

LMAO

[@kaanpiyano1]

LoL

[@Snowy0123]

I've never thought about the position changes like that, compression shifts. .thanks, makes total sense. .

[@GeorgeDakki]

the article you were referring to was the same one i've read. i think it was guitar player, he was talking about chord inversions.. great lesson here.. cheers!

[@jannatuominen1786]

Scales are great fun because they also make it a lot easier to improvise!

[@ichrismoku]

Gave this guy a sub for using the phrase warp refraction threshold

[@jasonwilliamparsons846]

Thank-you Mr. Matthews! I think this is the most informative and helpful video that I have seen on MeTube! You are an excellent teacher and I am very grateful and excited to be your serendipitous new student/subscriber!

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

+Jason William Parsons Thanks Jason!

[@Achase4u]

The G shape is the most interesting to me. I have now seen this done three ways(thanks to you, my teacher and Tim May). I really like this one you show with the pinky use and shifts. It's quite natural. The other two use a stretch and a jump. One goes 4, 1, 3, 4, 1, 3, 4, 1. The other is 4, 1, 3, 4, 1, 3, 1, 1.

[@OrdealofCody]

You are very good at explaining things, easy to digest the knowledge you are communicating to us

[@jordansmith2647]

Really insightful lesson I shared it with my girlfriend who's learning guitar thanks dude 😎

[@expertranch]

Man you're a great teacher. I wish you lived near me so I could take lessons from you. I'm having such troubles because I've been a power lifter / bodybuilder my whole life (I'm now 53 and still love working out) so left hand position is torture for me to get my palm horizontal and I have smaller hands so when I have to use my pinky finger on the 6th string, it pretty much mutes all other strings. I just got an instructor who is very nice and accomplished (trained with rodiruquez or someone like that) but my lessons are very unstructured (I;m a structure kind of person) and so far they are WAY too hard. I had more motivation when I was practicing by myself with the Aaron Shearer classic guitar technique book.

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

Thanks! If you're interested in learning with Allen, I would suggest you check out our Woodshed program. You can find more information here www.classicalguitarshed.com/ws-learn-classical-guitar-2-2/

[@nickrobinson938]

Yes, most helpful and very enlightening. I was one of those classical guitar students to be introduced to the Segovia scale method in my first year and I hated it. This system is much more fun. Where were you in my early days... Thanks for posting. I think you do a great job of introducing students to the classical guitar world and making it look like fun. I always tried to avoid the Segovia Scale practice and get on with the pieces of music. :)

[@suzannfulbright5652]

Piano is a linear mode while guitar playing is on a matrix. Can't imagine how one would transition from piano to violin where there are no frets! Still fingering is more than important here, not sure in the beginning that it is clear that numbers correspond to fingers.

[@darrylrouch9193]

I think that that "scale-melody" method of instruction is why I never really learned to play.

[@mikejpitts4654]

This is actually what I learned first before knowing even many chord variation or the Blues/Pen. scale. And Im not the greatest player ever, but I can hear any song and riff or solo over it just knowing? I think if your more into playing your own stuff, this is the way to go.

[@lynpalm8952]

Thank you Allen for sharing this very simple method of memorizing scales, extremely helpful.

[@ninaogaz6159]

Thank you. This is very cool. And, you are a very good KZbin teacher. You made it clear and simple. Now, to practice.

[@iggykarpov]

Hi, Allan. Nice overview. I noticed a typo in your A-shape diagram. The last '4' finger on the high-E string should not be there - it represents a note, which is not in the scale (A in this case for a B scale). You are not playing it in the video, actually. Regards!

[@ademishqiptari]

Came to the comment section about this to check that I wasn't crazy lol

[@mongofan1]

Today, I learned of The Warp Refraction Threshold. Thank you. :)

[@brianvanderplaats9643]

The A Shape at 9:02 is wrong - the first string is _1_3_ not _1_34 - didn't sound right when I practiced it. The PDF he linked on his site has it listed correctly. Thanks for the video, this is good stuff :)

[@SpeedyGamerRice]

Thank you classic guitar shed for the scale it to eazy and wonderful thank for this scale

[@lambjab9832]

All of the scales he is playing are all actually the Dorian mode of the scales as he is beginning in the 2nd (ll) interval.

[@sameash3153]

No they aren't. This is all Ionian. He's just transposing the major scale of the "scale shape"'s namesake up a whole step, but he could have just as easily transposed them to any other key. No modes involved.

[@jstanley011]

Great exercise, just working up and down the neck with these. Thanks.

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

Jeff Stanley Thanks Jeff!

[@maxjensen5835]

thank you so much for putting up all these videos, they are very helpful!

[@jadeowenhamblyn4405]

It's so interesting how different people visualise and utilise scale shapes on the fretboard. For example when you first started talking about an "E shaped" scale pattern I immediately visualised what I thought that was, then you showed it and it was completely differentl from what I visualised! Personally, I have the fretboard memorised in what I think of as "2 position clusters", and within those 2 position clusters I can visualise a heap of different chord and arpeggio "shapes" superimposed within them. I've come from a 3 note per string base, and from there gradually mapped the fretboard in it's entirety. Depending on what I'm playing I visualise scale shapes in different ways within the total grid of the first 12 frets. Anyway, this is a subject that I find endlessly fascinating for some reason haha!

[@masterbuilder3166]

Thank you for giving this formula. I’ve been trying to figure these out and this settles it 👍🎸💯

[@christysmallwood8032]

Finally. I found you. I somehow lost my subscription from you and after looking and not remembering your channel name I gave up. So, now at 2.30 am I decide to practice and thought I really need to learn all the scale shapes to use. I actualy have probably used them all at one time or another, but not really classically educated in music, but have played electric rock guitar for almost 40 years. But, I love classical music and some of tbe haunting modes, etc and need to study more theory, so some of your lessons are great. Thank you for putting them up and sharing.

[@totesjokin5354]

"Like an inchworm... would be an extreme example.." Without even cracking a smile, I love this guy haha. Great video, btw

[@beastlybombers]

Great job. I am grateful to you for your very informative videos. Thank you.

[@Luidnel]

A quick technical note. The numbers are not very well aligned vertically in your scales diagrams. It is because you use a "variable width" font. When you need characters to be vertically aligned, you can use any of the so-called "fixed-width" fonts like monospace for example. I hope this helps.

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

+Luidnel Maignan Thanks! great tip.

[@LongTrout]

Like them mechanics yo. Good lesson

[@dorisl6428]

I love your channel, Allen! It has really inspired me to improve my playing!

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

Thanks Doris!

[@melaniedelacruz7685]

Thank you so much for the video. I am practicing!

[@markus-hermannkoch1740]

Trying to memorize these, alright. Not there yet. However, what helps me is the knowledge that there is a quart between each pair of strings (excluding the WRT with it's large third). All scales, modes and intervals follow from that. But as of yet it requires conscious thought while playing.

[@davidemoreo5394]

thank you for the lesson nothing less, nothing more, just thank you for this really useful lesson...I'm exercising right now!

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

Thanks Davide!

[@adaccordify]

Great, Allen! Thanks so much for your helpful and clear lessons. I'm learning a lot with your help!

[@AllenMathews11]

Hey, thanks for the comment! I am glad to hear they're helping! Cheers, Allen

[@nickrobinson938]

Thanks for all the great work. Extremely helpful and well explained. I was wondering if there are minor scale patterns in a similar style to this chart. Thanks

[@TheSalahGaul]

the way you explain things really helpful for me! thank you!

[@MrAyanvimal]

Hi Allen.your video lessons are great.if you have video describing minor,pentatonic and blues scales and their applications and code relations pls upload.thanks a lot for your lessons a lot it is helping me a lot as a beginner. T

[@AllenMathews11]

tonson mathew hi Tonson, thanks for the note. I don't have videos explaining these, as I mainly stick to classical guitar videos, and those scales are more used by more improvisatory styles. Thanks for asking though. There are tons of great players out there with videos of that kind, so I stick to what I'm strongest at: classical guitar technique and playing. Cheers, Allen

[@barrya.6212]

That background design is the EXACT design of the wallpaper at my mothers home - it was put up in the early 1970's.... fun fact...

[@flangerkit4528]

Funny. fresh, clear and professional. Many thanks!

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

Flanger Kit Thanks much, Flanger Kit!

[@neilwalsh3977]

Certainly the case with strings - ie viola - shifting the key to beautiful playing

[@adriansahlean2885]

A very interesting video, with new insights for me. The only confusion arises from making the shapes named after a key that is different from the real key (C shape is F#, G shape was actually A, etc.) I understand the difference but it is still confusing :) A spade when used becomes a different digging implement, a hoe, etc.. (Hope you don't mind my humor)

[@TheAsasinIsBack]

Great video really helped me develop my finger movement!!

[@Celula002]

I started playing guitar a year ago. I'm able to play Bach... on E string.

[@patrickpalmer3374]

I just downloaded your scales I looked on Pinterest and there were so many I became naucious, are all them applicable on acoustic for classical. I'll just stick with these five because after seeing your site I trust you and believe I heard a little voice whisper KEEP IT SIMPLE STOOPED, or something like that. Thanks I'll start copying these to notebook right now and get back here. You also had a great price on those lessons going back first things first.

[@SturrStruck]

There's a typo as well for the C shape diagram, it has it starting on the sixth string

[@Deankau]

warp refraction threshold blew my god damn mind, lightbulb moment

[@Ax4400]

Is there an eBook diagramming these 5 scale shapes. Thank you Love your voice. Excellent teacher

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

You can find more information here www.classicalguitarshed.com/classical-guitar-scales/ Happy Practicing!

[@KrishnenduHari]

Thank you so much for these pattern. Can you please show me more scales pattern like Minor, Pentatonic and etc. scales patterns?

[@ChristopherKarl]

For the minor, just lower the 3rd of the scale (in C, the E becomes Eb). Pentatonic isn't really a scale - it just means '5 notes'. Those five notes can be applied to anything..

[@johnpoe8887]

Thanks, it gives me a place to start...........

[@alextudor6507]

I just wanted to send you all the blessings I have! You are AWSOME you are amazing! Just how you talk and teach is surely a gift from God whether ypu acknowledge it or not. Please never stop using the gift that the lord has given you, continue to be a light and continue to have patience with all of your students as well as you knuckle head friends. Have an amazing night or day.ay the lord be with you always.

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

Thanks so much, Alex! You have made my day!

[@ThomasCTownDesigns]

This is a Brilliant Video thanks very much !

[@سروشسیفری]

best tutorials ever👍 respect from one guitarist to other 🙏

[@JosepSotoMusic]

Fantastic video. Congratulations!!!

[@pingpong5000]

Great stuff, sorry but on a UK pension I cannot afford lessons until I see if I am willing to put in the work, good video and the down loads look useful and easy to understand for a beginner thanks

[@suncfs]

Great Job , thank you very much, so easy to follow too.

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

Thanks, Tony!

[@DK-bm3gn]

Great lesson!

[@mikelennox3157]

Excellent stuff to learn. Thank you.

[@ClassicalGuitarShed]

+Mike Lennox Thanks Mike!

[@micanut48]

this is what I have been looking for. Great!

[@Sk0lzky]

I've spent most of my life in music school and I'm not sure I get how shapes relate to scales they're named after... :(

[@SomeDude.1117]

A guitar is tuned in fourths. A fourth is 5 semitones (5 frets). So, if you play a random note on your guitar, you can find that exact note 1 string up & 5 frets down --or-- 1 string down & 5 frets up. Also, if you stay on the same fret, but move up/down a string, you will move up/down a fourth. The 2nd string is tuned a maj. 3rd above the 3rd string (only exception), so you will have to compensate with an extra fret. I hope this helped in some way or another.

[@SomeDude.1117]

If you're referring to "C shape" versus "A shape" and so on, they're named after the placement of the triads that form your typical open C, A, G, E, & D chords.

[@susanhawkes2519]

@@SomeDude.1117 Due to my lack of music theory, I don't see those triads. Sounds to me like they aren't really that important to see if you can memorize the patterns. Am I wrong?

[@SomeDude.1117]

susan hawkes Yes and no. One of the main reasons the CAGED method recognizes these shapes is so that you can move them around. Knowing the A shape, for example, will allow you to play any barre chord with its root on the A string. That's very important to even a casual guitarist. And a certain amount of it just comes down to knowing your fretboard. Further knowing that an "A shaped" C chord contains, in order, the notes C G C E G will allow you to not only play melodies and arpeggiations based on those notes, but other chords (ie. E or G, or F just above the E) in relation to them. It helps with voice leading as well. In summary, you don't need to be able to see the full pattern of notes in the shape, per se, as long as you know where your root is, but it certainly opens a lot of doors with your playing, especially when improvising.

[@filthymcnastyazz]

@@SomeDude.1117 hi just wanted to let you know that , despite not being good at theory, your explanation was a lightbulb moment for me. MT gets couched in obscuring language. Your description cut thru all of that and explained this so clearly and concisely that I could not help but understand. Thank you.

[@bariswheel]

Great exercises, thank you for sharing these!

[@teresalynch864]

Brilliant. Really useful. Thank you