Basic scales
E Locrian (starting on an open string and at 12th fret)
To fully comprehend the technical aspects of the basic scales, please read the following sections:
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Soloing Techniques Principles
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Soloing Techniques Basics I.
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Pénzes Mirror Image Method
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My conception for soloing techniques
Guitar, as an instrument, has a particular range and physical structure. In order to stick to optimal learning, F-major and all its relative modes are the best to start with (however optimal it is, someone with a classical guitar may still face problems with E-locrian). The figure below shows the whole modal structure built up of an F Major. Have another look at it - there are definite scale patterns that can be derived from this huge load of notes, which you can consider a basis for your improvement.
My own software called OSIRE has been designed to make up these scale patterns. The seven basic scales derived from that bunch of notes above are pretty much different in structure, as the figure suggests. Yet, they have certain things in common, as any of the basic scales can be made up using three fingering combinations,
which is a huge help!
I gave names to these fingering combinations, as follows:
1-2-4 low third or Phrygian low third (that’s how Phrygian mode starts)
1-3-4 low third or Minor low third (that’s how Minor mode starts)
1-2-4 high third or Major high third (that’s how Major mode starts)
You may also find another system of symbols to these combinations, such as
Phrygian low third - ·· ·
Minor low third - · ··
Major high third - · · ·
Naturally, the two symbol systems are identical.
These fingering combinations should never be altered when basic scales are played as a part of the practical preparation!
As an example, 1-3-4 as a high third combination is not considered optimal, as described in Soloing Techniques Basics I. section.
Now let’s take a look at each basic scale:
2 full steps - 1 half step - 3 full steps - 1 half step
1 full step - 1 half step - 3 full steps - 1 half step - 1 full step
1 half step - 3 full steps - 1 half step - 2 full steps
3 full steps - 1 half step - 2 full steps - 1 half step
2 full
steps - 1 half step - 2 full steps - 1 half step - 1 full step
1 full step - 1 half step - 2 full steps - 1 half step - 1 full step
(The other 3 types of minor scales are described in section 4 minor types.)
E Locrian (starting on an open string and at 12th fret)
1 half step - 2 full steps - 1 half step - 3 full steps
Here’s the structure of the seven basic scales bound together. Apparently, there is a tight and logical connection between the scales.
Even though F notes are highlighted in red, no notes are of particular importance. Pénzes Methodology considers all basic scales equivalent. The other mirror image from section Basic scales II also illustrates how the scales are arranged in each string. These are called one-string scales.
What I want to note here - if you are really keen and want to take this seriously, do not proceed to learning another technique until you have gained an intermediate level knowledge in basic scales. Since the methodology you’ll be following is defined fundamentally by these scales, without their good command scale patterns will be very hard to learn. So you may either fall short of your expectations or adopt bad customs, which are after all pretty much the same. If you don’t want any of this to happen, get prepared for the infinite, tough and boring practicing! What could also be rewarding is that you fit in this methodology the solo and other guitar pieces you have so far learned.
