Learn the Functions of the Notes in a Major Scale
As I have mentioned before the major scale is used as a constant to which other elements are compared. For the purpose of comparison, the degrees of the major scale (each note in the scale) are assigned numbers from 1 to 7. These numbers are the function of the note within the scale.
You can think of the function as the notes role in the scale or key. It’s job. Not all notes are created equal, and they all have certain relationships to each other, and certain sounds. All of this will be much clearer later on. But for now, just know that each note in the major scale is given a number.
Now you want to start to apply this to the neck of the guitar. There are a lot of different major scale fingerings on the neck of the guitar. And as you learn new major scale fingerings you can come back to this exercise. But for now, start with the most basic fingering for a major scale found below.
Start by just saying the numbers (scale functions) to yourself as you play the scale up and down. Rather than just mindlessly saying the numbers 1 2 3 4 etc. really think about where that number is in the scale form. This is very important if you really want to learn how to apply music theory to the neck of the guitar.
You need to have a little knowledge of a lot of things, before everything is going to make sense. If you don’t fully understand everything in this lesson…that is very normal. But you sometimes have to put some things in your head and let them roll around a little.
Then as you learn new things, you are going to start to be able to put more and more of the pieces together. At that time you can revisit this lesson, and have a new understanding of the material. But it is impossible for you to grasp it all the first time through. Just accept that everything will be crystal clear at first, and you are going to be OK.
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