While this post isn’t really a full lesson, I just wanted to have a diagram up for the major scale because it will be referred to often in the lessons that I post. The major scale is important for its usefulness in playing and writing, as well as its importance in understanding music theory. First, learn the scale in the position I wrote it in, which is G Major. Once you have that, it’s good to also practice it starting on different frets of the guitar.

What are those numbers on top of the scale?
In music theory, the notes of the major scale are often referred to by number, rather than note name. One reason for this is that the relationship of the numbers to the major scale pattern remain the same no matter what major scale you are talking about, while the actual note names will change based on what note you are starting the scale on. The major scale has 7 different notes and the note you start on is 1, the second note is 2, and so on. Though in this fingering you’re actually playing 15 notes, it’s because you are actually playing the same 7 notes twice.

To see an example of the notes of the major scale being referred to by number, see my triad guitar lesson.

The most common fingering for the G Major scale