Today,we'll learn about Intervals and introduce our first 2-Octave scale. An Interval is the space between two notes. The best and easiest example of an Interval is this:Play the B string at the 1st fret (low C). Now play the A string at the 3rd fret(C). This is an octave. That is basically what an Interval is all about. Now,let's apply it.

Once again,play the low C(B string,1st fret). This is the tonic or root of our scale. The 2nd interval is D(B string,3rd fret). The major 3rd is E(E string,open). The perfect 4th is F(E string,1st fret). The perfect 5th is G(E string,3rd fret) The 6th interval is A(A string,open). The major 7th is B(A string,2nd fret). The Octave(Octa meaning 8) is once again,C(A string,3rd fret). Working into the second octave,we can either begin counting again from the root or continue. The 2nd or 9th being D(D string,open). The 3rd or 10th is E(D string,2nd fret). The perfect 4th or 11th being F(Dstring,3rd fret). The perfect 5th is G(G string,open). The 6th is A(G string,2nd fret). The major 7th being B(G string,4th fret). We finish or second octave,as before, on C(G string,5th fret).

This is called the major or Ionian scale. It is also the first of what are called the Chruch Modes. Don't let the "Majors" and "Perfects" throw you off. I'll be explaining them in the next lesson. Once again,set your metronome at a comfortable pace and work the scale up and down. In order to gain familiarization with the neck,you could even call out the name of each note as you play it.

A variation of the excercise,once you're more familiar with it,is playing three consecutive notes,backing up two,playing three,etc. So your pattern would be 1-2-3-2-3-4-3-4-5 and so on 'til you reach the end of the scale. Then work back down.

Note that this, as well as all other scale shapes, can be played at any position on the neck. The shape is exactly the same as this, with the key of the scale coresponding with the root, or tonic note of the scale.

REMEMBER:practice slowly at first,sounding each note cleanly. There's no point in playing sixty notes a second and have them all sloppy. Learn it right,THEN learn it fast. When looking at the accomanying scale chart,remember that it is a 4-string chart,so the low C and D are not included. Don't forget about them. This is where CONSISTENT practice begins to come into play.

There are seven more Church Modes,so you'll have to practice each one quite a bit to keep from confusing them all. So practice,have faith in yourself, and HAVE FUN!! If you have any questions or suggestions,plaese leave a message or E-Mail me at rosenhat71@earthlink.net. Until next time,Happy Playing!!-Steve