Learning major scales is a foundational step for any guitarist. Understanding scale patterns and, crucially, Guitar Fingering, opens up a world of musical possibilities, from improvisation to understanding music theory. While there are various ways to approach playing a 2-octave major scale, many beginners find themselves presented with a pattern that, while seemingly straightforward, might not be the most beneficial for long-term development. This article will explore two common 2-octave major scale patterns and explain why starting with the “1st-finger pattern,” despite its initial stretch, is often the superior choice for building solid technique and musical understanding.
Let’s first look at the pattern many guitar instructors introduce first.
The “2nd-Finger Pattern”: A Common Starting Point
This pattern, often called the “2nd-finger pattern,” starts with the root note played by your 2nd finger. It appears to be a comfortable starting point because it visually fits within a 4-fret span.
While this pattern seems approachable, there’s another pattern that, while requiring a slightly larger initial stretch, offers significant advantages for beginner guitarists.
The “1st-Finger Pattern”: Setting You Up for Success
The “1st-finger pattern” is named because it begins with the root note played by your 1st finger. This pattern introduces a 5-fret stretch right from the start, which might seem daunting to some beginners.
So, why would instructors recommend starting with a pattern that requires a 5-fret stretch over one that seems easier with a 4-fret stretch? Let’s delve into the key reasons.
Why Begin with the 1st-Finger Pattern for Major Scales?
There are several compelling reasons why teaching the 1st-finger pattern first offers significant benefits to guitar students, ultimately leading to better guitar fingering technique and a deeper understanding of the instrument.
1. Developing Proper Technique and Hand Position from the Outset
The 5-fret stretch in the 1st-finger pattern isn’t insurmountable for most teenagers or adults. In fact, it presents an excellent opportunity to immediately address crucial aspects of guitar technique: optimal hand placement, correct hand position, and efficient fingering. By tackling these fundamentals from the beginning, students develop good habits right away, preventing potential technical issues down the road. It’s about building a strong foundation in guitar fingering from the first scale they learn.
2. Reinforcing Octave Patterns Learned in Foundational Lessons
Many comprehensive guitar programs, including the Master Guitar School’s 5-Lesson Foundational Series, introduce octave patterns early in the learning process. These patterns, spanning two octaves from a root on the 6th or 5th string, become building blocks for more advanced techniques.
The beauty of the 1st-finger scale pattern is that it inherently incorporates these octave patterns.
By learning the 1st-finger pattern, students are essentially applying and reinforcing previously learned octave shapes in a new musical context. This connection solidifies their understanding of the fretboard and makes learning scales more intuitive.
3. Avoiding Awkward Shifts Later On
The “2nd-finger pattern,” when starting from a 5th-string root, runs into a problem when trying to complete the 2nd octave. It necessitates a radical shift in hand position to reach the higher notes of the scale.
Historically known as the “Segovia fingering,” this pattern, while technically valid, can introduce challenges in maintaining consistent tempo, tone, and legato during the shift. While mastering shifts is an important aspect of advanced guitar playing, introducing it prematurely can be frustrating for beginners.
In contrast, the 1st-finger pattern starting on a 5th-string root allows for a seamless ascent to the 2nd octave without any disruptive shifts.
By starting with the 1st-finger pattern, students can focus on developing smooth, connected scale playing without the added complexity of radical position shifts.
4. Establishing Correct Fingering: 1-2-4 vs. the Problematic 1-3-4
A common mistake beginners make with the 1st-finger pattern is using a 1-3-4 fingering for the 5-fret stretch instead of the correct 1-2-4.
While seemingly minor, this incorrect fingering can lead to significant problems in the future. Trust experienced instructors on this point – developing a 1-3-4 habit will create limitations later.
The reason lies in hand anatomy. Observe the spacing between your fingers:
When using fingers 1-3-4, the distance between the 1st and 3rd fingers is naturally wider than between the 3rd and 4th. However, in a scale pattern, the notes are evenly spaced one fret apart. Fingering 1-2-4 creates a more symmetrical and anatomically efficient hand position, better matching the even spacing of notes in a scale. It’s simply easier and more natural to stretch between fingers 1 and 2 than between 3 and 4.
Choosing the 1-2-4 fingering from the start promotes efficient hand movement and sets the stage for more complex techniques in the future.
Expanding Your Scale Fingering Knowledge
While the 1st-finger pattern is an excellent starting point, it’s important to remember that there are multiple optimal guitar fingering options for a 2-octave major scale. In fact, there are six in total: three starting from a 6th-string root and three from a 5th-string root. Each has its own unique characteristics and applications.
Exploring these different patterns can further enhance your technical proficiency and fretboard knowledge. However, for most students, mastering the 1st-finger pattern provides a solid foundation upon which to build.
If you’re interested in delving deeper into these alternative guitar fingering patterns, resources are available to guide you.
Conclusion: Building a Strong Foundation with the 1st-Finger Pattern
Starting with the 1st-finger pattern for major scales, despite the initial 5-fret stretch, offers significant advantages for beginner guitarists. It fosters proper technique, reinforces foundational octave patterns, avoids disruptive shifts, and encourages correct and efficient guitar fingering habits. By embracing this pattern, you’ll build a stronger technical foundation, paving the way for more advanced guitar skills and a deeper musical understanding.
Ready to explore more scale patterns and deepen your guitar knowledge?
Check out Master Guitar School!
Sign up as a Master Guitar School site member – it’s free! – and gain access to a wealth of free lessons, a monthly newsletter packed with new content, and exclusive discounts on lesson series downloads – plus much more!
Feel free to leave a comment below and share this article with fellow guitarists using the social media links!
