How to Play the Major and Minor Scales on Guitar

The Major and Minor scales are two of the most basic scales on the guitar. They are the basis of most guitar scales. In their most basic forms, they consist of eight notes, beginning and ending on the same note. Each scale has a specific formula you can follow to find the notes in the scale. Those formulas are as follows:
Major Formula
whole step - whole step - half step - whole step - whole step - whole step - half step
Minor Formula
whole step - half step - whole step - whole step - half step - whole step - whole step
The major and minor scales are great scales to practice to increase picking and fingering speed. First, practice these two scales in the "basic" form of the 8 notes using the first 3 strings. Once you become comfortable with this, you may use these formulas to extend the scale up the neck and incorporate all the strings to practice with the entire neck.
These two beginner scales are also important to know when dealing with more complicated guitar scales such as modes. Modes are scales on the guitar used for many different things including soloing and creating riffs in a particular key.
Although their most basic for requires 8 notes, you may continue using these formulas to produce larger major and minor scales. It is important to understand the distinct different between the major and minor sound. Major scales provide a bright, happier sound, and are used in more western rock, while minor scales give off a "sad," darker sound.
The first mode in the series of seven modes is called the Ionian Mode. This mode is identical to the major scale. After this scale, there are several more that aren't considered specifically major or minor, more in between the two. This is true until you hit the Aeolian Mode which is identical to the Minor scale. This is just one example of how these scales can be useful.
Major and Minor sweeps are often put into the category of scales as well. Sweep picking is a guitar playing technique where the player creates a sweeping motion with their picking hand while matching up the correct notes with their opposing hand. This is known to be one of the more difficult guitar techniques because the speeds required to perform it.
Without a doubt, major and minor scales are one of the most important things one should master. The truth is, a true master of the instrument, is first a master of the basics.
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