Question re: Major Scales

[ChicagoNed]

I hope this is the correct place for this question. I am taking Major Minor Blues Scales and there's a difference between what Griff calls his Box 2 for the A major scale and what I learned as the A major scale as seen in this graphic. Can someone tell me why there is a difference?

Thank you,

Ned

 

[PapaRaptor]

The boxes are pentatonic scales (5 notes). The A major scale you posted is the diatonic scale (8 notes).

 

[Paleo]

Take out the 4th and 7th notes in each octave of your graphic and you'll have Box 2 of the A Major Pentatonic scale.

 

[ChicagoNed]

Thanks guys. I have zero theory knowledge.

 

[Silicon Valley Tom]

Learning a bit of music theory can be fun, and useful! Little things like I, IV, and V chords. What notes are in a scale? Here is something I put together a few years ago that might help a bit. I would suggest that you do research on Blues Guitar Theory. Even a little can be helpful.

Tom

 

[ChicagoNed]

I appreciate this Tom! I will take them to Kinkos so I can print them out in color and have them laminated. I think the issue I have is that Music is Math, and my brain has never worked that way which is why I was in the visual arts all my life. My eyes glaze over when Griff starts talking theory. I am a Monkey See/Monkey Do learner, I have always played by ear. In fact, I have always hit the flat 3rd without knowing what I was doing because being a 67 year old Chicagoan I grew up with the blues being the local club scene music.

I do understand the 1,4,5 thing, I joined BUG for two main reasons:

1) Learn how to play the chord changes (which I now know means hitting specific notes)

2) Mix the major and minor (and that's what I am having a problem with)

Your graphics will really help!

Best,

Ned

 

[Paleo]

I think the issue I have is that Music is Math, and my brain has never worked that way

There is no math involved here. Unless you consider counting up to 7 to be "math".

You are simply assigning a number to each note of the Major Scale.

In your own graphic, assign the number 1 to each R and count and number the notes in order up to 7. Start with 1 again at the next R.

That's it.

For the Major Pentatonic, omit all the 4's and 7's = Box 2.


For a Natural minor scale, lower all the 3's, 6's and 7's in your graphic one fret and call them b3's, b6's and b7's, respectively.

For a minor Pentatonic, omit all the 2's and b6's = Box 1.

Then when Griff refers to these notes by number you'll know where they are in this position.


If you work through this in all 5 positions, you'll end up with the charts @Silicon Valley Tom provided.

(Tom also adds the "blue" notes that aren't from the Major or Natural minor scales.)