Master Guitar Scales: Start Here
Welcome to the ultimate index of guitar scales tabs. Whether you’re a complete beginner looking for your first solo pattern or a seasoned player exploring new melodic modes, this library has you covered.
We have organized the essentials: Major, Minor, Pentatonic, Phrygian, and Harmonic Minor into a comprehensive library. Select a key below to view the full 5 positions in clear, accurate tabs.
Just starting out? We recommend you learn the A Minor Pentatonic and C Major scales first – they are the foundation for 90% of all rock and pop music.
Major Scales
The Major Scale (Ionian Mode) is the foundation of Western music. Essential for everything from pop to jazz. Our tabs cover this primary pattern in all 5 positions.
Natural Minor
Also known as the Aeolian Mode, this scale provides the emotional, sad, or serious sound found in rock and ballads. Master the minor patterns across the neck.
Minor Pentatonic
The absolute #1 scale for guitar soloing. Essential for Blues and Rock. These tabs show you how to break out of the standard “box 1” and use the whole fretboard.
Major Pentatonic
A brighter, country and classic-rock staple (think Allman Brothers). Learn how to play these 5 patterns to get that sweet, melodic major sound.
Harmonic Minor
Adds a raised 7th to the minor scale for a classical or “exotic” flavor. A favorite for metal and neo-classical shredding.
Phrygian Mode
The third mode of the major scale. Known for its dark, Spanish, or metal tension due to the flat 2nd interval. Explore the dark side of the neck.
Guitar Scales Tabs Quick Guide
How to Read Scale Tabs
The Lines: The 6 lines represent your guitar strings. The bottom line is the thick Low E string; the top line is the thin High E string.
The Numbers: The numbers tell you which fret to press. A “0” means play the open string. A “5” means press the 5th fret.
The Direction: Read from left to right. Play notes one by one (melodically) rather than strumming them all at once (chords).
Why 5 Positions?
Most beginners learn just one pattern. But what happens when you want to solo higher up the neck?
Our library uses the CAGED System approach. This divides the fretboard into 5 distinct “shapes” or positions. By learning all 5 positions for a scale (like A Major), you unlock the freedom to play that scale anywhere on the guitar.