Scales
Pentatonic, blues & mode scale maps
Key (root)
Scale
C Major
Show
Position
Root note·← swipe for all 24 frets →
A free tool that draws guitar scales on the fretboard. Pick a root key and a scale to see where the notes fall, labelled as note names, solfège or scale degrees — whichever you prefer.
How to use the scale fretboard
- 1Pick a root key (for example C) and a scale (for example Major or Minor Pentatonic).
- 2Choose how to label the notes: note names, solfège, scale degrees, or dots.
- 3Highlighted dots are the root notes; play the scale to learn the pattern by sight and sound.
Frequently asked questions
- Which scale should I learn first?
- The minor pentatonic. It has only five notes, so it sits under the fingers quickly, and a large share of rock and blues soloing comes out of it. Learn one position thoroughly, then move it up and down the neck.
- I know the scale but my solos do not sound musical.
- A scale is a list of notes, not a melody. Instead of running up and down it, take three or four notes and give them a rhythm to form a short phrase. Silence and held notes matter more than how many notes you play.
- How do I pick the right scale for a song?
- Start from the key of the song as your root. If it sounds bright, reach for the major family; if it sounds dark, the minor family. When unsure, play the minor pentatonic of that key over it — it fits most songs without clashing.