How many scales are there for guitar?
Ava Robinson
Updated on May 06, 2026
Similarly, you may ask, how many types of scales are there in guitar?
These seven scales are called Modal Scalesand they are Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolianand Locrian. Then you have the Harmonic Minor scales, withits own seven modes, and the Melodic Minor, with its own modes.Then there are the pentatonic scales, the bluesscales, etc.
Likewise, what guitar scales should I learn? 5 Essential Guitar Scales For Beginners
- A Minor Pentatonic Scale (Fifth Position) A pentatonic scale isa popular five-note scale that you'll need to know for riffs, solosand melodies, especially for rock and blues.
- E Minor Pentatonic Scale.
- C Major Scale (Open Position)
- G Major Scale (Open Position)
Beside above, how many pentatonic scales are there on a guitar?
seven
How many scales are there?
While it's true that there are twelve differentnotes and twelve different major scales, you also have toconsider minor scales. With minor scales you have twoforms of each scale, the harmonic and the melodic, so you now have36 scales.
Related Question Answers
What scales should I learn first?
The minor pentatonic scale is typically thefirst scale guitarists learn to solo with and is verycommonly used to form solos in rock, blues, and other popularstyles. The two main positions this scale is played in are:The scale is quick to learn and easy to learnto improvise and phrase with.What is the difference between major and minor pentatonic scales?
But the important difference is the location ofthe root, which is of course different for major andminor pentatonic scales. The other thing is, if you want tostay in the same position to play major and minorpentatonic scales with the same root, then the pattern ofcourse changes as you go from minor tomajor.What songs use the pentatonic scale?
Enjoy the wonder that is the pentatonic scale!- Amazing Grace – John Newton. Amazing indeed!
- Cotton Eyed Joe – Rednex. Oh!
- Swing Low Sweet Chariot.
- My Girl – The Temptations.
- Sunshine Of Your Love – Cream.
- Stairway To Heaven – Led Zeppelin*
- Another Brick In The Wall, Pt. 2 – Pink Floyd.
- Auld Lang Syne – Robert Burns.