Music Theory for GUITAR #1: Major Scales

[@codecks1]

very usefull lessons, bravo

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Thanks! I've got a whole Music Theory for Guitar series on my Patreon, along with nearly 200 other lessons and a weekly like Q&A featuring the camera guitar. My goal is to help people not just learn music theory, but have a practical understanding and USE music theory to express themselves musically. It's been a lot of fun. Check it out: www.scottpauljohnson.com/patreon

[@aquibjaved3911]

Hands down best channel for theory beginners.

[@jeremybuchanan289]

Nobody else even comes close.

[@ibrahimalfatih6059]

@@jeremybuchanan289 agreed

[@latergator915]

And for how to pull off a moustache successfully

[@ViewMuchofaGoodThing]

My thoughts exactly.

[@elibarnes1624]

Brand new to theory, immediately made perfect sense

[@phillipspencer1321]

You are on a different level with your lessons. For some reason, no one else can make music theory this comprehensive; but I'm glad I've finally found you.

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Wow thank you.

[@toddjohnsoneveningnews8870]

Can i just say: what a fantastic teacher. I have ZERO experience with this and im leaving after a single viewing with a pretty decent understanding of what i just learned. That’s talent as a teacher right there. Thank you for doing what you do, its tremendous help.

[@bishlabosh8608]

I want this guy to get big, but i kinda want him as my little secret to getting good at guitar.. Ps: He is absolutely killing it. Highest quality content - A proud subscriber since 30k

[@jaymata1218]

I feel dis

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Thanks for believing in me!

[@scottmiller1226]

My brother, you need some name recognition. I wish I knew more about how to make these scales on guitar when I started. Very clean, easy to understand.

[@a.noahabrams1944]

I am 73 and for the FIRST time, I understand the glory and symmetry of scales. How wonderful and easy you make it to learn these important but beautiful fundamentals. I tip my hat to you. You have changed a life.

[@Tyt130]

Scott, I’ve been playing now for 6 years self taught. It’s taken 6 yrs and probably over a 1000 KZbin videos watched to finally find someone who can explain the theory like you can. I look forward to much much more from you, all I can recommend at present is to create videos in order to teach. In other words please don’t jump right into modes. Incredible work. I wish you were my next door neighbour. Much love from the UK 😍✌🏻.

[@Daithai96]

You're extremely good at teaching concepts that had me baffled for quite a while. Thank you.

[@stutopian]

This.

[@kstein2049]

Scott, I scrolled down and saw every comment going for 2+ years. I could not find 1 “even close to negative comment”. I completely agree with everyone.. you have a gift for teaching, and you have figured out a PERFECT method of illustrating your thoughts in real time! Kudos to

[@fernandodavin5015]

Your videos are simply enlightening like no others. Absolutely outstanding job. Please, carry on this way. Many, many thanks!!

[@Spiezid]

So I´m a guitar beginner (1 1/2 Month in). Yesterday I visited my friend, who plays the piano and I asked him if he could teach me some basic music theory, as I am just starting getting into it. I had a lot of difficulties transforming the knowledge I gained to my electric guitar. Spend all of my morning looking up videos, and ended up with nothing but dudes who show their scale shredding skills, not learning anything. But u Sir just nailed it. Im so happy I found this ! Finally understood. First Person who actually bothers explaining something for beginners in a reasonable speed. Thank you so much !

[@mynamesmiked]

Dude I hope that you are a teacher in your day job, because this is the best guitar lesson video I've ever seen. Keep it up!

[@bobbyhowell5458]

Young man! I'm 66 years old and I have played guitar since I was a kid but I never understood the guitar the way I should. Thanks to you I'm beginning to see some light on how this is supposed to work. I'm looking forward to using your invaluable video lessons to help me improve my playing. I have looked at tons of YT lessons that left me scratching my head. So very glad I found your videos! Thank you very much for your time that you have invested in these lessons to share with the music world!

[@mxrkgarcia]

Dude, I started learning how to play in 2002 when I was 13-14. I used to have a poster for the major/minor scales on my wall but never understood how it works. It looked so confusing so I stuck with just playing chords and learning tabs. I finally wanted to get past that and you broke this down so well. I wish I had a teacher like you when I was 14. Lol Thanks man!

[@leeasbury7273]

You explain things, complicated or not, in the most easy to understand way I've ever heard. Every goal seems attainable. Every idea seems very basic. Even the tone of your voice seems to help. You're probably helping more people than you know...I , for instance, can now explain what I'm trying to teach in a way that seems elementary, and won't frustrate or confuse and discourage. So you're not just helping me. Thanks

[@mbnz8549]

This channel is one of the best ways of learning useful guitar stuff

[@dantemagana1076]

I know it has helped me so much lol

[@wesmcdonald8880]

I’ve been playing guitar off and on for close to 17 years. I’m nowhere near as good as I could have been with a quality teacher. It wasn’t until just recently that I found these videos. This channel has changed my life. I play/practice guitar for 3-6 hours per day now. Not just out of determination to learn, but mostly because it’s fun again. I was in a rut, didn’t know where to go; this channel has really helped pull me out of that, and made guitar fun and addicting again. I really enjoy the content, so I signed up for the PDFs. Got those. Soon will be hitting up that Patreon. Keep em coming!

[@jmattmerritt996]

Please keep more instructional videos coming. I'm no stranger to KZbin instructional videos so can say with certainty that these are the class of the field. Thank you.

[@donlawrence8810]

Yes. A follow up would be great! I love your teaching style. I've been playing for 53 years and I am learning so much from you. AMAZING STUFF!

[@marioperales7168]

Wow. In half an hour, you have clarified so much that I have never been able to understand. You are truly appreciated! Please continue to do what you are doing in these videos by simplifying the theories. If only my advanced math teachers had been so detailed and patient in their explanations.... I may have actually made it to college! Thank you sir!

[@saulpantoja6664]

Imagine going on KZbin for scales for about 6 months and hating theory and then finding this guy and finally making scales fun hmmmm

[@kairiasa8227]

The fact that this guy take his time out to animate & edit in every single individual sound of the notes and how it sounds like the way the notes are played everytime he follows with his pen is phenominal Thank you for everything you do. Maybe you don't have as much videos publish as other creators, but yours is always super fun to watch & easy to understand. Quality > Quantity haha

[@fidelcastro1086]

Your teaching makes it really easy to comprehend, especially if your a real beginner. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@SweetBridgette1]

Love the way you teach, keep the lessons coming, in order....

[@danielbythelake5802]

I wish there was lesson 2,3,4 etc, if your aware of them let me know please

[@sirspaceface]

You are the best guitar teacher on youtube!

[@joechiarella2746]

Scott, I LOVE your videos. They have helped me so much. I am a older guy , 62, just picking up guitar for the first time, about 6 months into lessons and I feel like a 13 year old with his first guitar, never wanting to put it down. Your lessons have taught me so much. Past the information my current teacher has shared , (yet) The Chord progressions video is absolutely fantastic. I know a fair number of chords and to be able to sit down and strum something that sounds like actual MUSIC instead of practicing pentatonic scales just blew me away. I sit on the couch sometimes playing through a few progressions and my wife looks at me an says "what was that , that was pretty" I say I don't know I just made it up. IT WAS SCOTT! I check KZbin all the time for anything new you have put out. All I can say is keep feeding us information. from basics for beginners like me to more advanced for everyone else who actually did start at 13.

[@adambanks3270]

Seriously, by far the best guitar foundation tutorials I've seen. Great teacher!

[@sushmitad3138]

This is exactly what I was looking for as Lesson 1! Not starting off with chords and some easy song to play. Everything has finally clicked!! Heaven

[@rogerrichards2485]

In this video Scott Paul Johnson explained music theory for guitar into a more understandable concept than many other lessons out there.

[@AriesAries-qs5yq]

Iv been a drummer for over 20 years. I have played the guitar on and off for most of my life. But have been at a stand still with it. I have been searching around you tube for ways to improve. I like the way you teach. I will be using your videos for my next journey with the guitar. Keep up the great work! thanks!

[@unfun_]

Scott, your patient way of explaining these concepts is the most inviting thing. For such heady concepts you make them feel not-so overwhelming. These are the concepts that have scared me from continuing to learn on my own -- because i don't know where to start. I would absolutely love if you would continue this series. Perhaps expand it into how it can be used easily figure out what notes are available to you when playing improv sections, or maybe how to use it to form chord progressions in songs. thank you so much for these videos they are truly inspiring me to pick up my guitar and teach myself to get better so that i can enjoy playing and not be afraid to suck.

[@mainelyastro4694]

Great job on a tough subject for beginners like myself. I am currently on my third week of learning guitar with zero musical background. You made it very clear. Thank you.👍👍

[@danroberts5645]

This guy is amazing. No ego no crap easy to listen to. Thank you very much sir you are a legend

[@danclements1725]

I have been thinking about music and music theory all of my life I’m 50 years old and watching a few of his videos tonight have pulled together all of the stuff that I’ve been trying to figure out myself in one evening I’m very grateful for what you do great job I would recommend this to anyone who’s interested in music.

[@mosamir1901]

I'm simply confirming what everybody else said, you are the best music teacher ever. Thank you scott

[@davidgroves4727]

You have a teaching gift Scott. What is really needed is a Guitar channel that teaches on a pathway to a particular destination in guitar. Guitar is hundreds of skills that build on each other. I am so damn tired of hunting for the the next thing I need to learn. I need a progressive path that is comprehendible and takes me to a particular destination. Maybe this is your goal for this channel.

[@shirvy]

This is by far the greatest guitar lesson I have ever seen on KZbin!!! 👏👏👏 thank you so much for this!! Can’t wait to check out the other lessons 😁😁😁 LOVE THIS!!!!

[@fadlisani]

The details you put into this video are amazing. Even to the sound of the notes you pointed. Great work!

[@manojwehalla2251]

Dude, you are an absolute music guru. You made it very simple. May the force be with you. I have subscribed to your channel. Thank you Dude!

[@coryrobert7305]

I've been trying to teach myself guitar for a while. I have minor dyslexia so learning notes and stuff has been a real struggle for me. The way you lay stuff out is really helping me comprehend things a lot better than I was before. Thanks for your videos.

[@whitepony101]

The note sounds synchronized while explaining these scales is that extra step of editing that just shows the amount of detail put into these videos and it’s much appreciated 👌🏽

[@MrHf4l]

I really appreciate the detail in the videos you make. It really really helps.

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

It takes so much time but its also really fun. Thanks for watching.

[@batstube]

Best and clearest explanation of theory, CAGED, and min & maj pentatonic scales. Your thinking -presentation and PDFs are spot on. Please do the Circle of 5ths.

[@koala1ish]

Thank you so much! Your teaching provides the missing puzzle pieces!

[@johnwhite6346]

I started playing at 14 and taught myself never learned aby of this stuff. It' makes me wonder how good I could have been if I had KZbinrs like this guy around to help

[@EuroLuxHomeandAntiques]

You're an amazing teacher. I've been noodling on the guitar for 35 years, just doing covers and I finally decided it was time to stop memorizing and try to create my own voice. I'm doing a deep dive in theory, and yours are the best videos I've seen. If you get a chance, I would love videos about circle of fifths and modes. I'm still really hazy about those concepts. Still looking for a way to unlock the entire fretboard for me.

[@theraise5243]

NOW I finally UNDERSTAND! Dude your a great teacher. So many you tube teachers explain a scale leaving out so many steps and explanation assuming their audience already knows it.

[@douggrimes195]

Another really great lesson Scott. I have been playing guitar off and on since the early 1970's. Yikes I know! Even though I have had music theory with guitar teachers in the past...the way you explain it makes it so much clearer, and more useful. I think many guitar players start out playing guitar without a lot of theory. We learn visually by memorizing shapes. While it helps in the beginning, it really holds us back in the long run. Teaching music theory on the piano with all your graphics...and then applying that information to the way the guitar is laid out...is really helpful. Now all those shapes start to take on meaning. Love your channel! You are a great teacher! You are going to help a lot of frustrated guitar players!

[@fernforwood3989]

Doug Grimes I don’t understand why more guitar teachers don’t do this. I wish someone had explained this first & then gave me the visual stuff, honestly. Would’ve saved me years of frustration & I’d be a much better player by now. Every teacher I’ve had just flat out refused to explain anything to me. “That’s too much for right now, we’ll get to that later.” Smh

[@davidgroves4208]

Incredible teaching talent. I'm a visual learner. Scott does an amazing job of using multiple technologies to make a complete audio and visual lesson. Fixing the guitar neck in place; using graphical dots overlaying the guitar neck; adding a backing track to show how its all used. Nobody else I've found puts it all together like this. Five *****

[@roryjackson1054]

First time I've commented on a KZbin video- watched the CAGED system, and subscribed because I feel like this series of vids will take me through the basics of music theory in a concise and easy to follow way. Please keep moving forward in logical steps like this, I've been spending ages flicking around different youtubers trying to get a handle on basic theory. Don't be afraid that it gets nerdy, I'm loving the process of getting a pen and paper out and actually understanding this thing I've been trying to play for years!

[@TheMacemen]

Right!!! This kid has nailed it!!!

[@mikemcd6535]

I am a beginner guitar player taking on line lessons and trying to "teach myself". This video using the piano keys and how it relates to the guitar makes it amazingly understandable. I am now a subscriber to Scott Paul Johnson!! Thank you Scott

[@nahcold3900]

You’re a brilliant teacher.

[@dannymanni1948]

The way you’re breaking all this down is all perfect. You’ve brought me a lot of clarity. I played for about 7 years when I was a kid but stopped at some point and didn’t start again until around 6 months ago... 15 years later. All your videos are great.

[@GardevoirEx1]

Wow dude I wish your videos were around ten years ago! Your teaching style is right up my alley... Please make more videos 🙏 If anything I'd like to see ways to actually apply this knowledge, like practical theory. Thanks again

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Yep. Can’t wait to get through the basics so I can start getting practical. I think it will get there pretty quickly though

[@calumross812]

Cannot tell you how impressed I am with your powerpoint / no bullshit approach to teaching. Keep up the great work!!!

[@niceguydmm]

You sir should keep doing this! Your a good teacher! I understand you!

[@ThiagoAugustoDantas]

Dude, seriously, I feel so GLAD I found your channel, this is just brilliant! Thank you, thank you very much.

[@Darth.Nihilist]

I'm a beginner and finding you're videos really invaluable. Great teaching method man!

[@devillosaurus]

You are a valuable resource to all who ran away from theory long ago, but still like to play, and who are creeping back to discover it afresh. Thanks

[@trevorrussell7512]

Enjoying your videos Scott. Came across them accidentally but very impressed. Keep them coming, many thanks.

[@fernandorivera7155]

Teachers of any subject should take notes from you. Bravo and Thank You.

[@aslevdog]

35...ALL l but 35 "people" thought this was a loving , thoughtful, painstakingly presented lesson, FOR FREE, precisely delivered with patience and empathy, while being slyly and brilliantly sound and time edited. But for some, 35 not enough. 35, I've be playing for 35 years, i find this lessons a fantastic refresh, and would encourage any new learner to start here from the begging lesson, a great way to start a endless journey....and find a drummer to play with ....

[@chevalij]

Been fumbling with guitar for over 40 years and this is the first video I've found that actually explains it easily and using the piano to cover the sharp / flat reasoning.. Brilliant

[@patrickjacobsen7805]

Bro best guitar teacher on KZbin you sir are a legend the animations really helps alot

[@HeyLennyB]

What a great delivery. Your personality is a big part of why your getting a great response from your videos. Sincere, friendly, and modest. I think this is your "thing." Keep it up Scott!!!

[@Harlee_33]

Bro you are one of the best teachers out there... First of all, I have a short attention span and can't listen to 95% of teachers that keep talking and talking... My brain just shuts off. Even my guitar teacher couldn't fully explain this stuff to me because unfortunately his teaching style doesn't really fit me... Bu myou got me hooked to the vidoe for a good six minutes, until I had to write this comment lol

[@sergedenovo2389]

I have not found better on YT. ...And I've been everywhere for very long time.

[@willmcwithey6796]

"Cool right?" Yes. Yes it is. By far the best instruction on KZbin. Much appreciated.

[@Peter-xy2io]

This lesson earned you a new Patreon subscriber. I'm impressed with each video I've sampled. Out of the hordes of guitar/music teachers with lessons online, yours are by far the most digestible and clear. I greatly appreciate the effort that goes into the video editing/animation/production prior to uploading as well. You're a multi-talented dude, Dude! :-D Cheers.

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Welcome aboard!

[@markbassemier6074]

This is so great for the simple fact that you actually walk me through the process and why. You don't skip over things and you actually show each example. I started trying to play 6 years ago by playing the video game Rocksmith 2014 Remastered. I loved the different colored strings that made it easier to follow the strings. But I've been a bodybuilder for most of my life so my hands weren't flexible. They where in the constant form of holding barbells. So I switched over to try and play bass. 2 less strings allowed me to play the game without getting so frustrated. It felt like I was actually playing. But the truth of the matter is that I didn't learn anything. Without the game, I couldn't play anything. I've tried countless books, videos, Ultimate Guitar, Fender Play, Marty Music, etc. They are all great, although some things were too basic and others were too advanced to where they skipped over things. Just watching you in the past few days have ignited that spark again. I know that it takes a lot of practice and you have to put in the time and the work. Some (a lot) of videos are trying to get you playing in just a couple of minutes. I guess that's fine, but I need to know the how and the why. So thank you again. The question that I do have is there a order of start here and then move on to here type of progression of your lessons? During my little know how I've just been practicing my chords Am, A, D, C, E, Em, Dm. I'm struggling with scales and understanding the shapes. I really liked your CAGED video and I do go back to that as a reference. Also love your scratch paper. Thanks again for your videos and your approach.

[@aaronallred6559]

I could watch your videos all day. I wish I had your videos years ago. Thank you so much for this!

[@anthonygougeon8506]

Wow, I'm probably going to repeat what other people have previously said, but what an amazing and simple way to introduce the major scale. Scott, thank you so much for your hard work!

[@UjjwalPrakashje]

Best video on this theory. So grateful to you. Please keep making these kind of videos.

[@radioguru52]

I was blind, but now I see. You are a God among men. Keep up the lessons you magnificent beautiful soul!

[@Idolikethis]

Wonderful. I usually find teachers like yourself boring but not YOU in particular. Your manner of teaching is so calm so smoothly 👍. I pick up things once totally out of reach

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Thank you! I think? ; )

[@wnxiiw4x31]

wow, youre by far the best teacher I have come across in the last year of trying to play and learn guitar so thank you.

[@rayberczik5654]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge!! I can follow and understand how you teach. I took private lessons for a year and in that time I didn't learn half of what I've learned from 2 of your videos. Thank you 😊

[@DelThompson]

I never thought I would enjoy learning music theory but you have proved me wrong! You have some awesome teaching skills Scott!

[@nealeo45]

This has helped me immensely. Thank you, truly.

[@brileykick1598]

I’ve been in band for 5 years at my school and the teacher just now got into scales and this is much clearer than her teaching

[@kevincasey1280]

If you work hard on this channel you could make it the "go to" guitar/songwriting channel on youtube. All the small touches really make a difference. Edited well. Functional graphics. I've been a professional musician for over 20 years and just stumbled on this channel. I know all this stuff inside out but I was still fascinated watching lol

[@flicsmo6838]

Fantastic lesson. I've been half trying to learn music theory for a long time now and its never quite clicked. In 30 minutes you've helped me make more progress than I have in a year. Thank you so much! Also, nice choice of pens - pilot precise is my go to, though I prefer the .5mm version.

[@rasayan1352]

You are a very generous person sahring such an intriguing lessons. Cudos to you sir.

[@omadaw]

The best tutorial on the Major Scales and CAGED system I have seen out of hundreds, you make it very easy to understand how to apply on my. progression.

[@bobbysetia_com]

Holy Moly... for years I did not understand until today. Super awesome training

[@victorianabb6377]

This helped me SO MUCH! I've been struggling to understand music theory for so long, I always felt like teachers went too fast or skipped steps or started from a more advanced place. You're a great teacher, and the worksheets helped a lot!! Thank you!!

[@J0rd4nBr0]

I took music classes for 3 years back in college (high school here in NZ) over a decade ago and I learned more in this video than I think I learned in all those years lol. To be fair I wasn't really there to learn like I am now so thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@sergedenovo2389]

Your lessons are the most technically involving and simply the best- I think. The best ones on YT. ...I think. Cause I've searched high and low for something that gets down to the granular level of things. You should have so much more recognition. I think A lot of people just get scared off because it looks technical. And a lot of people just want to learn tunes and riffs. ...I want to learn to PLAY, not mimic. Thank you. Serge in Chicago.

[@owned2death]

You are honestly so amazing I cannot even put it into words! Thank you!!

[@rexon6197]

Deadass i learn more with you than anyone else

[@TJDRZ]

Awesome video again! Thank you so much for this stuff. Watched so many videos on the caged system, etc. and never understood it until I saw yours on reddit. You are an amazing teacher that it just actually clicks & sticks for me. Do the chords/prog in major next & do some on the circle of fifths like you said :). Thanks again.

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Thanks so much! I'm working on it. I'm feeling pretty excited about this channel and I'm glad you are too.

[@giannimassaro4636]

I’ve been playing guitar for about 10 years. I took piano lessons as a kid, I and was in jazz/symphonic/marching band in high school. I learned more about music theory watching this video than all of those combined...

[@rafaelparanaiba401]

You are a great teacher. Thank you!

[@tonydicasa9254]

Another super lesson Scott! Your graphics are extremely helpful. You are the only person I have found who puts the concepts across. Learning scales and chords within a fun and playable context would be perfect, the basis for all development. Thanks for posting.

[@jonathanmacias1523]

I think many people would appreciate a video explaining the minor scale (just an idea)

[@rikb380]

10 years of trying to learn theory by myself & the way you explained this gave me a breakthrough! Thank you

[@ScottPaulJohnson]

Awesome! I’ve got several courses that can get you even further along on my Patreon!

[@fourthsoul8713]

This is the greatest channel ever

[@rodneymarseille3950]

wow I am a teacher and I can honestly say you do a great job explaining. Please keep doing videos!!!

[@capgaming69]

First teacher that’s made theory make sense

[@tatumwadsworth1197]

I love this, been practice for 3 months trying to understand the theory, and this makes absolute total sense. thank you