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Guitar Scale Visualizer

Master any scale in any key with our interactive fretboard tool. See exactly where to put your fingers.

Scale Settings
Select a key and scale to visualize on the fretboard

C Major Scale

Notes: C - D - E - F - G - A - B
E
F
G
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B
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Scroll horizontally to see higher frets

What Are Guitar Scales?

A guitar scale is a sequence of notes arranged in ascending or descending order by pitch. Scales are the building blocks of melodies, solos, and even chords. When you learn a scale, you're learning which notes "work together" in a given key.

7

Notes in most scales (Major, Minor, Modes)

5

Notes in Pentatonic scales (beginner-friendly)

12

Possible keys (C, C#, D... through B)

Common Scale Types Explained

Major (Ionian)

The foundation of Western music. Happy, bright, resolved.

C-D-E-F-G-A-B

Natural Minor (Aeolian)

Sad, melancholic, emotional. The relative minor of Major.

A-B-C-D-E-F-G

Minor Pentatonic

The 5-note 'cheat code' for rock and blues solos.

A-C-D-E-G

Major Pentatonic

Happy, country-sounding 5-note scale.

C-D-E-G-A

Blues Scale

Minor Pentatonic + the 'blue note' for extra grit.

A-C-D-D#-E-G

Dorian Mode

Minor with a raised 6th. Jazzy, soulful.

D-E-F-G-A-B-C

Why Learn Guitar Scales?

Scales are the alphabet of music. Learning them unlocks your ability to:

  • Write Melodies: Create catchy hooks that fit the song's key.
  • Improvise Solos: Jam confidently without hitting "wrong" notes.
  • Understand Chords: Chords are just scales played simultaneously!
  • Communicate with Musicians: "Play in A Minor Pentatonic" is universal language.

How to Practice Scales

  1. Start slow with a metronome
  2. Practice ascending and descending
  3. Learn one position, then connect positions
  4. Practice over backing tracks in that key

Pro Tip: The 5 Position System

Most scales can be played in 5 different positions across the neck. Mastering all 5 positions lets you play anywhere without running out of frets.

Related Tools

Fretboard NotesChord Finder

Complete Scale Index

Major Scales

C MajorC# MajorD MajorD# MajorE MajorF MajorF# MajorG MajorG# MajorA MajorA# MajorB Major

Natural Minor Scales

C Natural MinorC# Natural MinorD Natural MinorD# Natural MinorE Natural MinorF Natural MinorF# Natural MinorG Natural MinorG# Natural MinorA Natural MinorA# Natural MinorB Natural Minor

Minor Pentatonic Scales

C Minor PentatonicC# Minor PentatonicD Minor PentatonicD# Minor PentatonicE Minor PentatonicF Minor PentatonicF# Minor PentatonicG Minor PentatonicG# Minor PentatonicA Minor PentatonicA# Minor PentatonicB Minor Pentatonic

Major Pentatonic Scales

C Major PentatonicC# Major PentatonicD Major PentatonicD# Major PentatonicE Major PentatonicF Major PentatonicF# Major PentatonicG Major PentatonicG# Major PentatonicA Major PentatonicA# Major PentatonicB Major Pentatonic

Blues Scales

C BluesC# BluesD BluesD# BluesE BluesF BluesF# BluesG BluesG# BluesA BluesA# BluesB Blues

Dorian Scales

C DorianC# DorianD DorianD# DorianE DorianF DorianF# DorianG DorianG# DorianA DorianA# DorianB Dorian

Mixolydian Scales

C MixolydianC# MixolydianD MixolydianD# MixolydianE MixolydianF MixolydianF# MixolydianG MixolydianG# MixolydianA MixolydianA# MixolydianB Mixolydian

Phrygian Scales

C PhrygianC# PhrygianD PhrygianD# PhrygianE PhrygianF PhrygianF# PhrygianG PhrygianG# PhrygianA PhrygianA# PhrygianB Phrygian

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best scale for beginners to learn?

The Minor Pentatonic scale is the best starting point. It has only 5 notes (instead of 7), making it easier to memorize, and it sounds great over rock, blues, and pop progressions.

How do I use this scale visualizer?

Select a 'Root Note' (the key) and a 'Scale Type' from the dropdowns. The highlighted dots show exactly where to place your fingers on each fret and string.

What are guitar modes?

Modes are variations of the Major scale that start on different scale degrees. Each mode has a unique character: Dorian (jazzy), Phrygian (exotic), Mixolydian (bluesy), etc.

How do scales relate to chords?

Chords are built from scales! A Major chord uses the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of the Major scale. Understanding scales helps you know which notes sound good over which chords.

Should I memorize scale shapes or notes?

Both! Start with shapes (patterns) for speed, then learn the actual note names for deeper understanding. Our visualizer shows both to help you connect the dots.