Major and Relative Minor Scales

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All major scales carry within them, a scale called the “relative minor” scale. The relative minor scale can be found by counting up to the sixth note of the major scale and playing the next seven notes from there into the next octave.

			Seen this way, the relative minor scale is shown to have a b3, b6 and b7. All relative minor scales have these intervals in common. Like the major and minor pentatonic scales, the major and relative minor scales share the same notes. Which scale it is depends on the chord we play it over. If the chord we plan to use the scale over is major, use the major scale. For minor chords, use the minor scale. Again, with major scales, the fourth finger plays the root. For minor scales, the first finger plays the root.

Scale Pattern #1: Major / Relative Minor

The pentatonic scale is a great tool for learning to build solos but, since most scales have seven notes rather than five, there are other possibilities when including the missing two notes. Adding the two missing notes creates the scale pattern below. We’ll call this pattern “scale pattern #1.” Like the pentatonic scale, Pattern #1 may be either major or minor depending on which note is the root. A scale pattern is made up all of the notes of a given scale that fit into a four or five fret position. As written, this scale is either C major or A relative minor depending on which note is the root. Let’s say we are about to play a solo over the chord changes for a song in C major. To get into position for the solo, put your 4th finger on C on the 6th string and choose your notes for your solo from pattern #1 as pictured below. Below that, the same pattern is used as A minor.

Major / Relative Minor Solo Practice Now that we have a scale pattern for both major and minor chords. It’s time to practice using them. The best way is to record different major chords (or have a friend play them) and practice soloing using the proper scales. Here are some examples. Time signatures and strum patterns have been omitted. Play the chords in a variety of styles.

	In the first example, one position is used for both chords. If all of the chords are in the same key, it is possible to use one scale pattern in one position. The second example better illustrates the difference in sound between major and minor chords and scales. This is because both chords use a common root and the other notes revolve around them. Listen closely to these then practice over chord progressions of your own using major and minor chords. Try any combination of major and minor chords you can think of. Be sure to use the major scale over the major chords and the minor scale over the minor chords.