Playing Scales on One String
Playing on one string can be very effective and can lend itself to guitar techniques such as bending, sliding, hammer ons/ pull offs and many more. Many guitarists have used it to great effect such as blues slide guitarist Derek Trucks. To be able to play a scale across a string we need to know its’ particular interval formula made up of an interval set. A list of scale interval formulas can be seen on the Scale Theory: Interval Sets page.
Starting From an Open String
Section titled “Starting From an Open String”Below are examples of G based scales mapped across the G string starting from the open string.
G Major Scale /Ionian Mode
Section titled “G Major Scale /Ionian Mode”The interval formula shows us the location of the notes in a G Major Scale are: G A B C D E F♯.
G Major Pentatonic Scale
Section titled “G Major Pentatonic Scale”The interval formula shows us the location of the notes in a G Major Pentatonic Scale are: G A B D E.
Starting From a Fretted Note
Section titled “Starting From a Fretted Note”Below are examples of C based scales mapped across the A string starting from the 3rd fret.
C Major Scale /Ionian Mode
Section titled “C Major Scale /Ionian Mode”The interval formula shows us the location of the notes in a C Major Scale are: C D E F G A B
C Major Pentatonic Scale
Section titled “C Major Pentatonic Scale”The interval formula shows us the location of the notes in a C Major Pentatonic Scale are: C D E G A