Know ONE Guitar Scale Form, Know Them ALL

Introduction

If you're a guitar enthusiast looking to take your scale playing to the next level, get ready to have your mind blown! In this blog post, we will explore the eye-opening concept: “Know ONE Guitar Scale Form, Know Them ALL" approach. This revolutionary way of thinking about scales and guitar patterns will completely change how you view the fretboard. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced guitarist, this technique can supercharge your scale playing knowledge and unlock new possibilities in your solos and improvisations.

Understanding the Fundamental Idea

The "Know ONE Guitar Scale Form, Know Them ALL" concept is an observation of how scales are mirrored across the guitar fretboard. While you may have heard that there are various scale forms, this technique reveals that these different forms are essentially the same pattern starting on different strings. This realization opens up a whole new way of approaching scales and offers the potential for limitless creativity.

Applying the Technique

To apply this technique, let's start by using the G pentatonic scale as an example. We'll focus on one particular form and learn how to play it all over the neck. For demonstration purposes, we'll refer to this form as "Form 1."

Form 1 of the G pentatonic scale is typically played at the third position, with the first finger behind the third fret. The fingering for this form is 1-4 on the sixth string, 1-3 on the fifth string, and 1-3 again on the fourth string.

Octave Mirroring or Springboarding

A critical concept in this technique is "Octave Mirroring" or "Springboarding." This means that whenever you find a specific note on the sixth string, you can play the same form at a different location on the fretboard by "mirroring" or "springboarding" up an octave.  To achieve this, when you encounter the B string, you need to adjust your playing by moving up a half step, since the B string is tuned down a half step compared to the other strings.

Expanding Your Scale Playing

Now that you understand the basic principle, you can use this technique with any scale, not just the pentatonic scale. Whether you're playing the major scale, blues scale, or any other scale, you can apply this "Know ONE Guitar Scale Form, Know Them ALL" concept to play the scale all over the fretboard.

The Benefits of the Technique

1. Versatility: By mastering this technique, you gain unparalleled versatility in your scale playing. You can effortlessly play any scale in any key all over the fretboard, which opens up a vast array of sonic possibilities in your solos.

2. Improved Soloing: When you have a go-to lick or phrase in one form, you can easily transpose it to other positions using this technique. This ensures that you have reliable options for soloing across the entire neck.

3. Understanding the Fretboard: The "Know ONE Guitar Scale Form, Know Them ALL" concept provides a deep understanding of the guitar fretboard. Instead of memorizing isolated scale shapes, you gain insight into the relationships between notes and intervals across the entire instrument.

4. Simplified Learning: While learning different scale forms is beneficial, mastering this technique can simplify your learning process. Focusing on one form and applying it across the fretboard can be more efficient and yield better results in your playing.

Conclusion

The "Know ONE Guitar Scale Form, Know Them ALL" concept is a game-changer for guitarists seeking to expand their scale playing and improvisational skills. By understanding how to mirror a scale form up and down the neck, you can effortlessly play any scale in any key, giving you unparalleled versatility and creative freedom. So, start exploring this technique, and watch your scale playing reach new heights! Remember to combine this approach with other scale forms to further enhance your guitar prowess and enjoy the journey of musical discovery that lies ahead!