Scales and Modes Every Guitarist Should Know

First off, I would like to thank DeftDigits.com for this great blogging opportunity. Let’s immediately jump in: scales, what are they and which one should you learn? This short article will spend more time on the latter than on the …

C Major Scale 1-3-6

The 5 Major Scale Positions

This article serves as a reference for navigating major scales all over the guitar fretboard. (Recommended prerequisite knowledge: The CAGED System, Scale Degrees vs. Intervals.) Scale Definition The major scale uses scale degrees 1 2 3 4 5 6 7. …

E Minor Pentatonic, Diagona, Root 5

Diagonal Pentatonics

I’ve encountered countless intermediate guitar players who find themselves stuck inside the pentatonic box. They’ve learned some of the standard “box” shapes, derived from the CAGED System, for the major pentatonic and minor pentatonic scales, but now they find they …

C Major Pentatonic 1-3-6

The 5 Major Pentatonic Positions

This article serves as a reference for navigating major pentatonic scales all over the guitar fretboard. See also The 5 Minor Pentatonic Positions. (Recommended prerequisite knowledge: Intro to the Minor Pentatonic Scale, The CAGED System, Scale Degrees vs. Intervals.) Scale …

C Minor Pentatonic 1-3-6

The 5 Minor Pentatonic Positions

This article serves as a reference for navigating minor pentatonic scales all over the guitar fretboard. See also The 5 Major Pentatonic Positions. (Recommended prerequisite knowledge: Intro to the Minor Pentatonic Scale, The CAGED System, Scale Degrees vs. Intervals.) Scale …

Chord Symbols

Understanding Chord Symbols

Ever been baffled by a complex chord symbol? D#m11b5 got you scratching your head? Fear not; your problems are about to be history!

Scale Degrees

Scale Degrees vs. Intervals

Intervals are a great way to get started in music theory. They describe the distance between any two notes, and they allow you to think and communicate about music in a more sensible manner. Scale degrees, while often not distinguished …

3 Easy (But Powerful) Alternate Picking Exercises

Alternate picking between strings is tricky. On a single string, even a beginner can economize picking motion and nail tunes like “Miserlou” and “Thunderstruck” after just a few weeks of intensive practice. Pumping the pick at that speed through different …