Music Theory Circle Of Fifths

T-T-S-T-T-T-S

For example, a C major scale on the guitar can be played this way:

Audio Link – C Major Scale

The major scale can be started using any note e.g. E, A, D, G, F#, etc. All that matters is that the pattern or formula T-T-S-T-T-T-S should be followed. What this means for the guitarist is that once a guitar player knows a particular left-hand finger pattern for the major scale, it can be applied to any position of the fretboard and get a major scale every time.

In relation to the example above, a guitar player can transpose from a C major scale that started on the fifth string, 3rd fret to an E major scale by starting on the fifth string, 7th fret and following the exact scale formula and finger pattern. This is demonstrated in the next example:

Audio Link – E Major Scale

Key Signatures

Most music is based on a particular scale or key. As an example, songs in the key of C mean it is based on the C major scale and therefore do not use accidentals. If a song is in the key of G major, then the song primarily uses the G major scale where all F’s are played sharp. If a song is in F major, all B’s are played flat. In such cases where the key or scale necessitates constant use of accidentals, using a key signature eliminates the need for writing accidentals all the time.

As an example, here’s the E major scale example with the correct key signature:

Audio Link – E Major Scale

The E major scale requires that F, C, G, and D are played sharp, and that is why in this example, the topmost lines and spaces corresponding to F, C, G, and D have sharp signs in them to already signify that all of those notes have to be played sharp.