Playing Lead and Scales Guitar Lesson
Playing Lead and Scales
This lesson introduces you to the basics of lead guitar. You will learn alternate/double picking as well as the major scales.
Taught by Steve Eulberg in Basic Guitar with Steve Eulberg seriesLength: 45:00Difficulty: 2.5 of 5
Don’t be intimidated by the process of learning scales. It is much easier to learn scales on the guitar than any other instrument. This is due to the fact that scale patterns on the guitar can easily be shifted up and down the neck to different keys. Chapter 2: (2:26) Scales and Their Uses Since the guitar can function as a melodic instrument as well as a rhythmic instrument, all playing can be grouped into three basic categories. As a guitarist, you will either be playing rhythm, lead (melodic content), or a combination of both. In this lesson, Steve plays a nice arrangement of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” This arrangement is an example of combination rhythm/lead playing. Steve is simultaneously playing chords and the melody of the tune on the bass strings.
In order to play in this style, two areas of study must be mastered. First, the initial chord must be learned. “Will the Circle” is in the key of C. As you might have guessed, the first chord in the tune is C. When a chord is played, it is described as being in a certain “position” based on its location on the neck. Since the basic C chord contains 2 open strings, it is said to be in “open position.” At this point, we know two very important pieces of information pertaining to this piece of music. The song is in the key of C, and it is played in open position. In order to add the melody to the song, the C major scale must be learned in open position. Chapter 3: (3:16) Double Picking/Alternate Picking In order to play melodic lines comfortably and musically, a technique referred to as “alternate or double picking” must be mastered. Due to economy of motion, alternate picking enables one to play twice as fast. In order to master this important technique, apply it to the basic fingering exercises that you have learned in earlier lessons. Play each fretted note four times. The first stroke should be a downstroke. Then, continue with an alternating up, down, up, down pattern. Keep the pick as close as possible to the strings at all times!
Once you have mastered playing the exercise this way, play it without repeating each note. Watch Steve demonstrate this idea, then emulate how he plays. Chapter 4: (16:45) Diatonic Major Scale and Pattern Before you learn the fingering pattern for the “open” C major scale, some basic music theory concepts pertaining to scales must be learned.
The major scale is referred to as a “diatonic” scale. Scales are either grouped into two categories: diatonic and chromatic. A chromatic scale begins on a specified pitch and ascends in constant half steps until that pitch is reached again. A diatonic scale refers to a specific tonal quality associated with a specific key center. The C major scale is a diatonic scale. It is major in quality, and it is associated with the key center of C.
Every single scale follows a specific pattern of half and whole steps. On the guitar, a half step interval is found one fret away. Thus, a whole step represents two frets. The major scale, regardless of which key you are in, follows the following pattern of half and whole steps: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half. C to D is a whole step interval as well as D to E. Since the scale mainly consists of whole steps, it is much easier to memorize the exceptions to this rule. A half step exists between E and F. B and C are also a half step apart. If you are performing, and you forget the fingering pattern of a scale, memorizing these intervalic relationships just might save you from disaster!
Steve demonstrates the C major scale in the context of an open C chord. By learning the scale this way, you are preparing yourself to play a melody in C major while simultaneously playing a C chord. Watch Steve carefully to learn and memorize the fingering pattern he demonstrates Chapter 5: (8:26) Two Octave Pattern One disadvantage to playing scales in “open” position is that their fingering patterns are not movable. In other words, these patterns can’t be shifted up the neck in order to play in different keys. However, the patterns that Steve demonstrates in the following two scenes can be shifted up and down the neck to any key.
The first pattern begins with a root note on the sixth string. The root of a scale is the key center and starting note. For example, C is the root of the C major scale. This scale pattern spans two octaves.
Note: Click the “Supplemental Content” tab for a fretboard diagram of this scale pattern. Chapter 6: (8:58) Two Octave Pattern on 5th String This scale pattern contains the exact same notes as the pattern learned in the last scene. However, this scale is played in a different position on the fretboard. Also, this scale pattern begins on the fifth string, not the sixth. So, why learn the scale in two different locations on the fretboard? Here are a few very important reasons:
1. Learning multiple scale patterns for a single key increases your overall knowledge of the fretboard.
2. When improvising a solo, guitarists frequently shift to different positions. This enables the guitarist to seamlessly shift from one range of notes to the next. Watch any professional guitarist play a solo. Does he or she stay in one position on the neck or move up and down it? Chances are that you observed several position shifts within one single solo.
3. Position shifts enable the player to reach higher and lower octaves, or different registers. Also, some melodies are much easier to play if you shift positions rather than staying in one vertical pattern.
The scale pattern that Steve demonstrates in this scene contains a position shift. This portion of the scale will probably require some extra practice. If necessary, isolate this shift and drill it until you feel comfortable with it.
Note: Click the “Supplemental Content” tab for a fretboard diagram of this scale fingering. Chapter 7: (2:31) Ending and Credits Learning to play scales and melodies musically is a lifelong process. Consequently, you should practice your scales slowly and carefully. Learning scales can be a very overwhelming process. There are multiple scale types (major, minor, diminished, etc.) and several different positions on the neck to play them in. To make this long process manageable, learn a few patterns a month. Once you have memorized a pattern, try playing it in all 12 keys.
Becoming an accomplished musician can easily be compared to building a house. You must start with a strong foundation. Otherwise, the whole structure will topple. Since scales are the building blocks of all music, significant time must be devoted to learning their patterns and uses.
Supplemental Learning Material
Basic Guitar with Steve Eulberg
Found in our Beginner Lesson SetsPhase 1 Acoustic Lessons with Steve Eulberg is a great place to begin your journey as a guitarist. With over 30 years of playing experience, Steve appreciates the importance of beginning your guitar training the correct way - no bad habits! These lessons are not just for acoustic players. Electric guitarists will receive the same benefits from this lesson series.
Lesson 1
The Absolute Basics
You will learn the parts of the guitar and how they function. Steve also discusses the importance of technique.
Length: 45:09 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Your First Chords
Three simple chords will literally enable you to play millions of songs. In this lesson, you will learn the primary chords for the key of G.
Length: 40:00 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Strumming Technique
Now that Steve has taught some chords, he will go over the proper methods of strumming and right hand technique.
Length: 42:00 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
All About Chords
This lesson is all about the various aspects of chords.
Length: 39:00 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Chord Theory
Steve explains how basic triads are formed in this lesson. He also explains the relationship between scales and chords.
Length: 40:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Intro to Fingerpicking
Steve Eulberg introduces you to the wonderful world of fingerpicking.
Length: 51:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Bringing it Together
Steve starts to weave the strings of the past lessons together.
Length: 47:00 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Chords, Keys and Relationships
This episode delves further in the realm of chords, scales, keys and the relationships between them. You will also learn some new chords.
Length: 34:25 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Barre Chords
This lesson covers power chords and barre chords. You will learn how these chords are formed and how to apply them.
Length: 38:24 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Tools for Guitar
Steve explains how basic tools such as the metronome, capo, and picks aid your guitar playing. Enjoy!
Length: 27:12 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Playing Lead and Scales
This lesson gets you into the basics of playing melodies on the guitar. Playing melodies and solos is often referred to as "lead guitar."
Length: 45:00 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Hand Stretches
Steve demonstrates some great stretches for the hands, wrists and upper arms.
Length: 8:12 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Different Guitars
Steve discusses the difference between the steel string acoustic, classical, and 12 string guitars.
Length: 12:00 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Changing Guitar Strings
This lesson is all about changing guitar strings. This process can be very frustrating, but it doesn't have to be. Learn some great tips from Steve.
Length: 37:00 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Timing and Tempo
Steve Eulberg delves into the wonderful world of rhythm and time signatures.
Length: 29:00 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Circle of Fifths
Steve Eulberg introduces the Circle of Fifths. He demonstrates a song that features a Circle of Fifths progression.
Length: 15:30 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Clearing Up Confusion
In this lesson Steve attempts to clear up some confusion with previous lessons. He will talk about reading tablature, note names, chord names and more.
Length: 15:52 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 18
Review and Moving On
Steve Eulberg does a quick review of this lesson series and talks about moving on.
Length: 12:44 Difficulty: 2.0 FREE
Completing Lessons
Steve answers the popular question, "When should I move on to the next lesson?" by sharing his personal goals and some important advice.
Length: 6:19 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
About Steve Eulberg
View Full Biography
An Award-winning multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, Steve Eulberg weaves mountain and hammered dulcimers with a variety of unusual instruments to create thought-provoking, smile-inducing, toe-tapping acoustic experiences.
He has sung and composed for religious communities, union halls, picket lines, inter-faith retreats, mountain-top youth camps, as well as the more familiar venues: clubs, coffeehouses, bookstores, festivals, charity benefits and showcase concerts.
Born and raised in the German-heritage town of Pemberville, Ohio, Steve was exposed to a variety of music in his home. Early piano lessons were followed by trumpet in school band, and he became self-taught on ukelele and guitar and harmonica. Mandolin was added at Capital University where, while majoring in History, he studied Ear Training, Voice and took Arranging lessons from the Conservatory of Music.
While at college, he first heard hammered and mountain dulcimers, building his first mountain dulcimer just before his final year. Seminary training took him the west side of Denver where he built his first hammered dulcimer. With these instruments, he was able to give voice to the Scottish, English and Irish traditions to which he is also heir.
Following marriage in 1985 to Connie Winter-Eulberg he settled in Kansas City, Missouri. There he worked cross-culturally in a church of African-Americans, Latinos and European Americans, with music being a primary organizing tool. He moved with his family in 1997 to be nestled beside the Rocky Mountains in Fort Coillins, Colorado.
Founder of Owl Mountain Music, Inc. he teaches and performs extensively in Colorado and Wyoming with tours across the US and the UK. He delights in introducing the “sweet music†of dulcimers to people in diverse settings and in addition to his own recordings, has included dulcimers in a variety of session work for other musicians.
In 2000 he was commissioned to create a choral composition featuring dulcimers for the Rainbow Chorus in Fort Collins. It was recorded in the same year (BEGINNINGS). He is currently at work on a commissioned symphony that will feature hammered dulcimer and Australian didjeridu.
Eulberg passionately believes that music crosses cultural and language barriers because music builds community. Influenced by a variety of ethnic styles, his music weaves vital lyric with rap, rock, folk, gospel and blues. Audiences of all ages respond well to his presentation and to his warm sense of humor.
Steve is a member of Local 1000 (AFM), The Folk Alliance, BMI and BWAAG (Better World Artists and Activist's Guild).
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Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.Thanks for a great lesson on playing scales. I've been struggling with learning the patterns for some time, and enduring "You never play anything but scales.", mostly during Dancing With The Stars or American Idol. :) For those of you who have never met Steve, if you get the chance to meet him and attend one of his classes, it is WELL worth the money. I've had the privilege of both and he is a great teacher.
Steve, thank you for the great lessons. Any advice on how to practice my diatonic scale patterns to commit them to memory? i.e besides just repeating them, do yo u recommend a specific way to practice committing them to memory? Much Thanks,
I will not read Dwalson's note anymore. this was a very confused student! Whew. Steve. getting the scaale part i always feared. take a little at a time like you said. Do you teach Phase II?
Bing! Does the room seem a bit brighter? WOW! I got it Steve, thank you. I saved the best lesson for last!!
I have learned so much in these lessons. I have decided before I go any further, I am just going to concentrate on perfecting these scales. Thank you Steve. You are a great teacher.
when you play the F by the nut you have to play open strings so why not mention that
I want to ECHO two things raised a few times here: Overall - this was wonderful. BUT ... 1) Can you please post the tab for the melody for "Will The Circle" - this would be of great help. 2) Although maybe this is a bit further along than the intention of the lesson - could you at least "explain" how it is that you are combining the melody and the chords as you play. This is a piece of the puzzle I have been trying to figure out for some time - and you bring us right to the edge of getting there ... but not over that point.
great,as he said spend more time and i am sure you will understand, just be patient, we will not understand everything on a day or dos gracias
great,as he said spend more time and i am sure you will understand, just be patient, we will not understand everything on a day or dos gracias
This was a great lesson. I had to watch it twice before getting the full understanding. Learning the guitar is a very systematic process and requires patience if you want to really understand what's going on and master the instrument.
Hi Steve; I liked the "will the circle..." witht the llead/melody in it. However, can you do another video or 2 on going thru the details of this. You have us on the verge of "kicking this off". Please don;t leave us hanging. Bill
in which order do you play it?
how can you read the scales!?
Steve will you put the tabs for the melody line for that song up.
OK. I understand and can play these scales now. But, now what? I don't understand how/when to use them, other than just playing them. How do I convert them into something that I can use, like a solo? If I'm using a C Major scale for a solo, am I using just the notes in that C Major scale but in different combinations? Thanks!
???
I understand the major scale pattern as is written on the white board during the lesson, but the diagrams in the supplemental section make no sense to me at all. What am I missing? Whenever Steve puts diagrams up on the whiteboard, I pause the lesson and write it all down, then replay that part til I get it. Wish those parts of the lessons were available in the supplemental sections.
Went over it again sloooowly and had my aha moment. Very, very cool.
Need to break it down more in video. For example, when playing will the circle be unbroken in the C cord it would be much better to go very slow and show every note as played. I understand how to do the scale the way you are teaching, but very difficult to tie together while playing song
Need to break it down more in video. For example, when playing will the circle be unbroken in the C cord it would be much better to go very slow and show every note as played. I understand how to do the scale the way you are teaching, but very difficult to tie together while playing song
Hey Steve this is the lesson I have been waiting for. Been playing guitar casually for yeras with lots of different chords but never any melodies or leads or bass runs which I always wanted to do. Now you show us a couple scales and all of a sudden the possibilities are endless and obtainable with practice. Thanks so much for these lessons and your teaching style. It's almost like you know what we are thinking before we ask and then you go ahead and answer our questions. I guess that all comes from - "Been there, done that". Once again, thanks for sharing what you know with all of us in a most effective way!
Dwalson, your confusion is not unusual. Songs and tunes do not use every pitch and tone available, they always choose some and omit some others. The way we understand how to order these tones comes from experiments done in Alexandria and in Greece that also led to mathematical understand as well. They distilled their knowledge into 4 note tetrachords which become 7 note modes. Later the "missing" notes were inserted, which produced chromatic scales and the chromatic fret pattern on the guitar fretboard. So now we must skip some frets in order to get the notes we want by omitting the notes we don't want. SO there's a long answer. Short answer: is Yes, to your observation that some notes go well together (we call those modes or scales.)
Lost...I don't understand what a scale is and why it is. Why is a scale made the way it is? Why are certain notes part of a scale while others are left out? Are the notes of a scale melodically pleasing when played beside one another? Are all these notes based off of human perceptions of pleasing sounds? I can't think of any other reason, because it would be arbitrary otherwise, when you are taking wood and wire and applying all of these heirarchies and attaching relationships to different sounds which seem to have no other connection other than a value that we place on them. How is it determined what is a pleasing sound and what is not? Once I learn these scales what do I build off of them? Are they the ingredients to a cake (the song)? How is this "music"?
Hi, I am very very happy. I Have been playing keyboards for years and never before I had got this so clear like now. Thank you very much Steve.
i finally am learning guitar, and thought it would be hard. THX.. You make it easy.
Cool! Thanks for the feedback and working on your guitar!
Steve, you are a wonderful teacher. I've been playing pretty much the same songs my friends taught me for 25 years (and have been terrible). Through this time I had a good handle on chord shape (from books), but never knew what I was really doing. FINALLY after all this time I feel like I'm learning something. All of these lessons have been huge AH HA moments for me. Thank you so much!
steve, great lesson. it really works but dang man playing these scales the way i want to is kicking my butt....getting better tho. thanks alot man.
Steve, Why don't you show the notes for this song?
E|------------------------------------------------------- B|------------------------------------------------------- G|------------------------------------------------------- D|----------------2--0-----2----2--0--------------------- A|-----0--3--3----------3-------------3--3--3--0--------- E|--3---------------------------------------------3----3- E|------------------------------------------------ B|------------------------------------------------ G|-------------2--0------------------------------- D|----------2--------2-------0--2-----0--2--0----- A|-0--3--3----------------3--------3-----------3-- E|------------------------------------------------
What are you showing here?
oops E|------------------------------------------------------- B|------------------------------------------------------- G|------------------------------------------------------- D|----------------2--0-----2----2--0--------------------- A|-----0--3--3----------3-------------3--3--3--0--------- E|--3---------------------------------------------3----3-
ok that didn't work
had an ah ha moment on scales..been playing for years and never got it until now..thanks steve
Great stuff Steve, you are a great instructor!
Steve you are too cool!!
Hi!! This sequence is really nice to find the scales. But, I noticed that if you start with the G# on the D string, it does not work. It seems that you have to move the last sequence (134) to the next fret(F). Is that right? Thanks
making a lot of sense......realizing I have to move on from my private guitar instructor. you rock Steve!
Aha! These patterns are like cheating! I've always known that scales are what's holding me back, and one day I will have to learn them. Now I'm no longer terrified of what I expected to be difficult, boring and hours and hours of practicing. I'm actually looking forward to learning many many more scales - Thanks Steve, you rock man!
Wow! The "pattern" thing makes sense to me. Thanks for this great lesson, Steve!
Its great to watch you playing these scales. but I cant follow because you playing them so fast.
I'm sure you've found this by now, but the patterns Steve's using are shown in fingerboard diagrams in the Supplemental Content tab.
I am looking for "Ode to Joy". I had some music I had downloaded from JamPlay and lost it. Can you tell me where to find it? I think it was from one of your lessons. Thanks
This was my favorite lesson so far. After practicing the heck out of the 6 string two octave scales, it feels (i.e. sounds) like something is lacking when I play the the two octave on 5 strings without the two "missing" notes on the top of the scale.
Steve said the 6th string major pattern works with any 6th string note and even went up and down the fretboard using the 6th string pattern. But I don't see how the 6th string pattern works when you start with the F note on the first fret, 6th string. The pattern requires you to play F and G on the 6th string and then drop down to the 5th string but when you play the open A and then Bb, that does not follow the pattern. The pattern does work if you start the F on fret 13, but not when you start on the first fret. What am I missing? It looked like Steve played the 6th string pattern starting with the first fret F note but the pattern can not be followed and still play the F Major Scale.
This has been another one of those lessons that teaches mind-boggling things you can do with a guitar, although the concept is relatively simple. When I tried playing a melody anywhere on the fingerboard for the first time I thought wow... this is great.
Hello Steve, I'm really enjoying the lessons and I've learnt more in the last few weeks than I have in years. You are a very clear teacher and the pace of the lessons is just right. I'm trying hard with the scales but I have a couple of questions if thats OK. When you played the scale you started with your 2nd finger on either the 5th or 6th sing - you then said that you could play this pattern starting with the 2nd finger on any fret. For eg you said that if you moved your 2nd finger up a couple of frets you'd be playing A. You advised us to play this pattern up and down the neck on each fret saying the name of the note. Could you please tell me which note is equal to which fret. For example if I start with my 2nd finger on the 5th fret how do I know what note that is. I'm sorry if this is a little confused. Thanks again for the great lessons. Tuesday
Hello Steve, I posted you yesterday about the notes....well, I've just completed lesson 17 'Clearing up Confusion' and my question has been answered. I've copied out the pic of the guitar neck and written all the notes in as you suggested. Thanks the fog is slowly clearing - I'll soon be ready to move on I'm either going to go to the celtic or bluegrass section. I'm still not very good with barre chords and I'm slow with the scales but I will continue practising these - thanks Tuesday
hello steve , i read got above lesson but few questions are in my mind that is about one octave major scale and two octave major scale position what the digits were saying means if we were to find ascale in one octave position and two octave scales please
Major AHA! Great lesson, Steve!
I enjoyed this lesson especially the patterns. since you were using the circle be unbroken as the example were you challenging us to figure the notes out since it was not given in the notes, so we could play it?
Whoa....Time to practice
Steve, The major scale patterns for the 6th and 5th strings are great. I'm trying to understand why you can use the same pattern regardless of of fret you are on for the major scales, but when you are doing a pentatonic scale, the pattern changes depending on the fret you start on. Thanks Robert
Best lesson yet Steve. Thanks again for your great work!
Steve, I had an Ah ha. The major scale makes sense to me know and easy to understand; great lesson.
Great lesson, I've just worked out which 2 notes I need to play to complete the second octave of the extended scale from the 5th string. Ah ha!
Great Lesson Steve, thanks for showing the patterns. It takes a big load off, rather than memorizing all the scales
Great lesson Steve. That "Two Octave Major Scale Pattern" is worth its weight in GOLD. You just opened up the whole fingerboard for me. I can now play any melody in any key, well maybe with a lot more practice! I have been having fun playing little tunes now anywhere on the neck.
thanks a lot for this lesson steve i have been trying to learn the major scale for all a-g now that i know the patteren it will be very easy since scale is same as bar chord again thanks alot........
The supplemental content for this lesson is confusing. It doesn't any order of what to play.
Is that a Walden Guitar your playing? If so, which model? I love my Walden (G570).
Is this lesson basicaly the Circle of Fifths? Can you put the tab of the song Steve is playing in the Supplemental Content section? Thanks.
i agree the tab to the melody that Steve played in the last chapter would be handy in the supp content
Holy typos, Batman! Did anybody notice the closing credits say "Lesson 1" instead of Lesson 11"? Someobdy forgot to play the 1 on the A string. LOL!
ha ha ha! So it does! Did you notice you did a typo on the word, "somebody?"
This looks like yet another very important lesson from Steve and makes me realise just how little I actually know! However, I think I'm going to have to watch it a number of times over as my brain (and hands) are just not quick enough to take in exactly what he's doing just from watching. And I'm pretty much lost with the theory on the board...but that's down to me to start studying the theory! :-)
Steve I have gota tell ya. Great lesson! I wish that the board was part of the supplemental. There was a time when the theory drove me crazy. But somehow it begins to make alot of scense to me now. No matter what anyone says, keep taching theory.
It would be most helpful if the tads for melodies Steve is playing be placed under supplemental content. I have completed beginners lessons 1-11 and have learned more from Steve than one year of weekly lessons. Thanks
Steve, I would like to see a note diagram for every way that you played Will the Circle Be Unbroken, it would make it much easier for me to know exactly where and what notes should be played. I find it a bit difficult to pick it up just by watching you do it.
I agree... It is hard to tell what Steve is playing from just watching his fingers.
Steve ... I picked up the 8th fret C scale from another guitar internet video but until I watched this lesson I didn't know it held true for all 12 frets. WOW!! I think my brain just had one of those light bulb moments you mentioned in an early lesson. I now see the whole fret board in a new light. I'm Pumped! l
The explanation of the fingering pattern is a great tool. For some reason the other instructors that I've watched on the site don't mention this critical piece of information, which makes the whole thing click.
steve i wanna thank you for helping undrstang and beggin playin the guitar. i have really enjoyed your style of teaching and i really picked up on everything you have said. AGAIN THANKYOU
Scene 1 Intro, last 35 seconds maybe dont work. Im playing on HQ
Fixed, thank you so much for the comment.
last 20-30 seconds don't work
Hi, which quality setting / scene were you viewing?
Everything seems to be playing okay to me. What scene are you talking about? 6 or 7? What quality videos were you playing? Low? Medium? High?