Scales
A scale can be defined as a series of notes, in alphabetical order, going from any given note to its octave and based upon some form of set pattern. The pattern upon which most scales are based involves a set sequence of tones and/or semitones. On the guitar, a tone is two frets and a semitone is one fret. As an example, the B note is a tone higher than A, (two frets), whereas the C note is only a semitone higher than B (one fret). Of the other natural notes in music, E and F are a semitone apart, and all the others are a tone apart.
Natural Notes
In music theory, a tone may be referred to as a step and a semitone as a half-step.
The main types of scales that you need to become familiar with are the chromatic, major, minor and minor pentatonic scales.
The Chromatic Scale
The chromatic scale is based upon a sequence of semitones only and this includes every possible note within one octave. Here is the C chromatic scale.
The same scale could be written out using flats, however it is more common to do this when descending, as such;
Because each chromatic scale contains every possible note within one octave, once you have learned one you have basically learned them all. As an example, the A chromatic scale contains exactly the same notes as the C chromatic scale, the only difference between them being the note upon which they commence. This starting note, in all scales, is referred to as the tonic or key note.
The A Chromatic Scale
