Playing E Major Scale

On Different Positions on the Guitar Fret Board

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In this lesson we will check out E Major Scale in 5 different positions, one in the original open position (that has open strings), another on a single string which helps you clearly understand the scale intervals, then the other 2 on two different positions on the neck (or fret board) and the last one played diagonally on the fret board covering a wide range of fret positions across the neck.

Building E Major Scale

By applying the Major Scale formula or scale intervals W W H W W W H we get the E Major Scale notes as E F# G# A B C# D# E

This scale has four sharp notes in it F#, G#, C# and D#. Sharp (#) just means that you need to raise the note by a semi tone or a half step or move a fret higher.

E Major Scale 1st Position on a Single String – On 4th String (D)

You will get a clear understanding of the major scale intervals by playing the scale on a single string. Here I have shown 2 diagrams, the fret board diagram and the Tab that clearly shows you how to play E Major Scale on the 4th String D.

Note: On the TAB, the Numbers indicates the frets and the lines indicate the strings.

E Major Scale 2nd Position (Original) with Open First String E

This is the original position (or the first octave) where E Major Scale can be played on guitar, which will generally contain some open string notes. In case of E Major Scale there is only one open string which is the Open First String E.

E Major Scale 3rd Position Starting on 7th Fret of 5th String (A)

In this position you can play E Major scale starting on the 7th fret of the 5th string (A), where you can play this scale on two different octaves. The first octave starts on the 7th fret of the 5th string (A) which is the Root note E and ends on 3rd String (G), 9th fret, which is again the Root note E . And the 2nd octave starts again on 3rd String (G), 9th fret and ends on 12th Fret of 1st String (E), which is an E note. You will get a better understanding of what I am talking, if you can take a look at the Fret Board diagram below.

Note: The notes of a scale between two Root notes are known as an Octave.

E Major Scale 4th Position Starting on 12th Fret of 6th String (E)

You can play the E Major Scale starting on the 12 fret of the 6th string (E). Just like the 3rd position (starting on 7th fret) that we checked out earlier. This position also utilizes 2 different octaves. You

can easily figure that out by looking at the Fret Diagram below, where you can see root notes marked in RED.

E Major Scale 5th Position Starting on 7th Fret and Played Diagonally

In this position, you can play the scale starting on the 7th Fret of 5th String (A), just like in the 3rd

position and then you will proceed in a diagonal fashion across the fret board all the way up to the 17th fret of 2nd string (B) – utilizing a wider range of frets as opposed to the regular scale shape. This position also utilizes 2 octaves, which you will know by checking out the Fret Board Diagram below.

Practice these positions in the ascending and descending fashion, slow initially and then gradually try to gain speed. Remember, it will take some time to gain speed and perfection, so be patient and practice it in a speed that you are highly comfortable with. Full control of each position is the key to playing a scale or a lick faster, for that you need to practice them slowly in steady tempo for some weeks, and you will see that you have built up traction automatically!

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